日本升级与中亚对话模式，学者：中国在该地区的外贸不可替代

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article highlights the ongoing tension in China-Japan relations, with significant challenges for a breakthrough in the short term [1] - There is a noticeable decline in economic and personnel exchanges between China and Japan, evidenced by a 40.4% cancellation rate of flights from mainland China to Japan in January [1] - Japan is actively seeking to expand its economic cooperation with Central Asia to reduce dependence on China, as demonstrated by the recent "Central Asia-Japan" summit in Tokyo [1] Group 2 - Japan plans to invest approximately $20 billion in Central Asia over the next five years, focusing on energy transition, enhancing critical mineral supply chains, supporting international transport routes, and human resource development [1] - More than 150 cooperation documents and project plans have been signed between Japan and the five Central Asian countries, with optimistic prospects for future collaboration [1] - Concerns have been raised that Japan's financial investments may lock in strategic resources such as rare earths, uranium, and oil, potentially diminishing China's influence in Central Asia [1]