PM Takaichi on Tensions with China: Japan Builds Stable Relations

JAKARTA - Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Japan would strive to build a constructive and stable relationship with China through dialogue, amid rising bilateral tensions recently.

Speaking at a press conference after the extraordinary parliamentary session ended, Takaichi called China an "important neighbor" and reiterated his stance since taking office as prime minister.

"My attitude to build a constructive and stable relationship has remained unchanged since I took office," Takaichi said, as quoted by ANTARA from Kyodo-OANA, Wednesday, December 17.

"Japan always opens the door to dialogue because the two countries have a number of issues that need to be resolved," continued Takaichi - Japan's first female prime minister who took office on October 21 and is known for having a firm view on security issues.

China has taken a series of steps, including issuing travel warnings to Japan and resuming imports of Japanese seafood, since Takaichi on November 7 said an attack on Taiwan could be an existential threat to Japan and potentially require a response from the Japanese Self-Defense Forces.

The Communist Party-led China views Taiwan as a democratic island that has its own government and a breakaway province and must be reunited with the Chinese mainland, if necessary using military force. China also considers the Taiwan issue as an internal affair only.

China has also reportedly increased its military activity. Earlier this month, Chinese fighter jets repeatedly locked onto radar against Japanese Air Self-Defense Force aircraft in the southeastern Pacific region of Okinawa's main island, according to the Japanese Defense Ministry.

"My statement regarding the situation that threatens the survival of the country does not change the stance that the previous government has held," Takaichi said.

He said Japan would continue to explain this to China and the international community at various levels.

Their predecessors have tended to avoid discussing specific scenarios when asked about the issue.

At home, Takaichi's government faces a challenge in managing parliament as the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) coalition and its junior partner, the Japan Innovation Party (JIP), are still in a minority in the Upper House and only have a slim majority in the Lower House.

Media polls show Takaichi's cabinet has maintained high levels of public support since it was launched. The dissolution of the Lower House and early elections could potentially give the ruling coalition the opportunity to secure a more solid majority.