The number of Japanese firms planning to expand in China has fallen to less than 30% for the first time, according to a survey published on Tuesday, with economic slowdown, increasing competition and geopolitical tension putting many off. The waning appetite for Japanese businesses to augment operations in Japan's biggest trade partner, alongside the United States, underscores fraught bilateral ties between the east Asian neighbours. In an annual survey by the Japan External Trade Organisation, a semi-governmental export promotion agency, 27.7% of 710 companies said they were expecting to expand operations in China in the next a year or two.