A high-profile Japanese delegation, consisting of members from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and opposition parties, recently visited Beijing in an attempt to ease strained relations between the two nations. The visit comes after a series of disputes over Taiwan, which have led to trade restrictions and diplomatic tensions. These issues are rooted in historical grievances dating back to the late 19th century, including Japan's seizure of Taiwan and occupation of Manchuria. Beijing's response to recent Japanese military rhetoric suggests that it views such statements as a return to wartime militarism. In November 2022, China imposed a ban on Japanese seafood following comments made by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan. This was followed by restrictions on exports of dual-use goods and rare earth minerals essential for high-tech production in February 2023. The bilateral relationship has reached its lowest point since the normalization of relations in 1972, with communication between officials cut off and mistrust at both elite and grassroots levels. Chinese arrivals in Japan have also significantly decreased due to travel warnings issued by Beijing. Despite these challenges, Japan appears eager to rebuild diplomatic ties, a move that could have significant economic implications for both countries given their interconnected industries.