Japan works to shield Takaichi from any Xi snub at China’s APEC summit

TOKYO: Japan is trying to ensure Xi Jinping doesn’t snub Sanae Takaichi when they meet at a major leaders’ summit in China this month – their first encounter since a furore over Taiwan derailed ties. When Takaichi attends the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conclave in Shenzhen, Japanese officials expect the host leader to greet her with at least a customary handshake. Ties between Japan and China, however, have over the past year hit one of their lowest ebbs since the countries normalised relations in 1972 – throwing such a reception into doubt. Xi shook then-Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s hand the…