Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, who pursued closer diplomatic relations with China during his time in office, has died at the age of 90.
A ruling Liberal Democratic Party official confirmed his death to AFP on Monday, saying Fukuda passed away on October 22.
Fukuda served as Japan’s prime minister from September 2007 to September 2008, succeeding Shinzo Abe after the latter’s first tenure ended following about a year in office.
During his administration, Fukuda prioritised improving relations between Tokyo and Beijing, inviting then Chinese President Hu Jintao to Japan in a diplomatic effort to strengthen bilateral ties.
Hu’s visit in May 2008 marked the first time a Chinese head of state had visited Japan in 10 years. The two leaders subsequently issued a joint statement pledging to build a mutually beneficial relationship anchored on shared strategic interests.
However, Fukuda resigned in September 2008 amid declining public approval ratings. He later retired from active politics in 2012.
Despite leaving office, he remained involved in efforts to ease tensions between the two Asian powers.
In 2014, as relations between Japan and China deteriorated over a territorial dispute involving a group of islands and longstanding historical disagreements, Fukuda travelled to China for talks with President Xi Jinping.
The engagement helped create conditions for a summit between Xi and Abe, who had returned to office for a second term, as both countries sought to address their strained diplomatic relationship.
