Japan's Blue Book Downgrades China to 'Important Neighbor'; Beijing Demands Correction

AI Summary (NQ-processed)

Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs released its 2026 Diplomatic Bluebook, reclassifying China as an 'important neighbor' instead of 'one of the most important bilateral relationships.' China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning criticized Japan, attributing the strained relations to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks on 'Taiwan contingencies.' Beijing urged Japan to reflect and correct its stance to maintain the political foundation of bilateral ties.