China's Commerce Ministry disclosed that for the third consecutive quarter direct investments by Japanese companies in China had declined. Investments for the period Jan-Mar 2014 dropped by 47.2 per cent compared to the same period last year and fell to US$ 1.21 billion (Yen 123 billion).

During the meeting between Japan's ex-Lower House Speaker and present Chairman of the Association for Promotion of International Trade Yohei Kono, and China's Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng and Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang on April 14 and 15, the latter officials underscored the importance of separating business interaction from political confrontation.