On the 17th, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi addressed remarks suggesting possible intervention in the event of a Taiwan contingency, stating, "This does not change the Japanese government's existing position," and added, "We will persistently explain this to China and the international community at various levels."
On this day, Prime Minister Takaichi made these comments during a press conference held at the Prime Minister's Office to mark the end of the extraordinary Diet session, where she outlined the achievements of her diplomatic and security policies.
Sanae Takaichi, Prime Minister of Japan, is attending the first session of the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit held at the Gyeongju HICO Convention Center on October 31. Photo by Yonhap News
Previously, on the 7th of last month, Prime Minister Takaichi responded to an opposition lawmaker's question in the Diet regarding a Taiwan contingency by stating, "If the use of warships involves the exercise of force, no matter how you look at it, this could constitute a situation threatening Japan's survival, in which the exercise of collective self-defense is possible." This statement drew strong opposition from China.
At the press conference, Prime Minister Takaichi explained, "There are security concerns between Japan and China, including economic security," and added, "We will continue to engage in candid dialogue and comprehensively pursue a strategic and mutually beneficial relationship." However, when asked whether she would choose to build a good relationship with China through some compromise or to accept some degree of friction by taking a firm stance, she emphasized the importance of communication and avoided giving a clear answer.
Prime Minister Takaichi stated, "Japan is always open to dialogue with China and will never close the door," adding, "We will continue to communicate with China in this manner and respond appropriately from the perspective of our national interests." Regarding China's travel advisory against Japan, she said, "There are concerns that it may affect tourism, but a relatively large number of people are traveling domestically at the end of this year," pledging to minimize the impact.
She also commented on Japan-Korea relations. As neighboring countries, there are various issues on which the two sides have different positions, but she said these would be managed through the leadership of both nations' heads of state. She stated that she and President Lee Jaemyung have agreed to develop bilateral relations in a future-oriented and stable manner, adding, "We will actively promote shuttle diplomacy between Japan and Korea going forward."
Looking back on her first two months in office, Prime Minister Takaichi said, "I have worked boldly, prioritizing measures against high inflation," and evaluated that the passage of the supplementary budget bill the previous day allowed her to present a certain direction for realizing a 'strong economy' and 'strong diplomacy and security.'
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