When Xi Jinping visited Japan in 2009 as Chinese vice-president, he asked on short notice to meet Japanese Emperor Akihito. In a rare move reflecting his importance as the future Chinese leader and a desire to capitalise on warming ties, Tokyo broke protocol and granted an audience, despite an imperial household rule requiring requests to be made one month in advance.

Five years on, relations between the two countries are so poor that Japanese diplomats are still desperately trying to secure a first meeting between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Mr Xi when Beijing hosts the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit next week. With strong, nationalistic leaders running both countries, the Asian powers are at loggerheads over many issues – most dangerously over the disputed Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea.

Signs are emerging that a meeting might happen, including a recent toning down of anti-Japan rhetoric in China. Some experts say Mr Xi does not want to tarnish Apec – the marquee international event in China this year – by refusing to meet Mr Abe.Pessimists warn the meeting might add up to little more than a courtesy handshake.