Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, who sought to strengthen relations with China during his tenure, has died at the age of 90, a ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) official said on Monday.

Fukuda died on October 22, the official told AFP.

He served as Japan’s prime minister for about a year from September 2007, succeeding Shinzo Abe, whose first term ended after just 12 months. During his time in office, Fukuda prioritised improving ties with China and invited then-Chinese President Hu Jintao to visit Japan.

Hu’s visit in May 2008 marked the first visit by a Chinese head of state to Japan in a decade. The two leaders issued a joint statement pledging to build a “mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests”.

Fukuda resigned in September 2008 amid declining approval ratings and retired from politics in 2012.

Played Role in Japan-China Relations

Even after leaving politics, Fukuda remained involved in efforts to improve relations between Tokyo and Beijing. As tensions between the two countries grew over a disputed island chain and historical issues, he visited China in 2014 for talks with President Xi Jinping.

The visit helped pave the way for a summit between Xi and Abe during the latter’s second term as prime minister.

Following news of Fukuda’s death, Beijing described him as “an old friend” of the Chinese people.

“Mr. Yasuo Fukuda was an old friend of the Chinese people and made positive contributions to promoting the improvement and development of China-Japan relations,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a news briefing.

Guo also referred to the integrity and sense of responsibility of an older generation of Japanese statesmen, urging Japan’s current leadership to reflect on their approach to bilateral relations.

Relations Between Tokyo and Beijing Face Fresh Strains

Relations between Japan and China have faced renewed tensions over security and regional issues, including Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory.

The relationship deteriorated further after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested that Japan could intervene militarily if Taiwan came under attack.

Fukuda’s diplomatic efforts, particularly his engagement with Chinese leaders during and after his premiership, formed a significant part of his political legacy as Japan navigated its complex relationship with its powerful neighbour.

Sun News/ rabbi