Takaichi Vows to Continue Talks with China

Tokyo, Dec. 17 (Jiji Press)–Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Wednesday expressed her intention to continue talks with China to improve deteriorating bilateral relations over her remarks on a Taiwan contingency. “We want to continue frank dialogue and comprehensively promote a mutually beneficial relationship (with China) based on common strategic interests,” Takaichi told a press conference after the extraordinary Diet session closed the same day. Meanwhile, Takaichi emphasized that her remarks did not change the Japanese government’s conventional position on the Taiwan issue. At a parliamentary meeting on Nov. 7, Takaichi said that a Taiwan contingency could constitute a situation that threatens Japan’s survival, allowing the country to exercise its right to collective self-defense. This provoked a fierce backlash from China. “Communication is important, especially when there are pending issues and challenges,” the prime minister said. “The Japanese side is open to holding various dialogues with China, including between the leaders.” In addition, Takaichi expressed her intention to seek to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump again at an early date. Also at the press conference, Takaichi denied that she would dissolve the House of Representatives for a snap election anytime soon, despite calls from some in her ruling Liberal Democratic Party as her cabinet maintains high approval ratings. “We have a lot of things to do,” she said. “I have no time to think about it.” She declined to comment on whether she is considering expanding the ruling bloc, citing the preferences of potential coalition partners. On economic and fiscal policy management, Takaichi noted the need to “strengthen national power through proactive fiscal policy” and vowed to “achieve a virtuous economic cycle and increase tax revenues without raising tax rates.” The prime minister also said that the government plans to adopt its budget bill for fiscal 2026 at a cabinet meeting on Dec. 26. On how to finance measures to strengthen Japan’s defense capabilities, a key issue in tax system revisions for fiscal 2026, Takaichi said, “We aim to settle the issue without placing additional burdens on households.” END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]