Takayama Sanae has once again addressed China publicly. On November 6, according to Kyodo News, the Japanese Prime Minister gave a media interview at her official residence, marking one year since her parliamentary response on "Taiwan in crisis." When asked about future diplomacy with China, Takayama stated: "China is an important neighboring country. I will pursue dialogue aimed at safeguarding national interests and build a constructive and stable relationship."
In reality, Beijing has repeatedly called for the withdrawal of her remarks, yet Takayama has not corrected them. Her statement, while appearing conciliatory on the surface, amounts to a repetition of past positions without substantive change. A full year after reiterating that China is an "important neighbor," she has failed to address the core issue, which Beijing has already clearly defined. This is not a new stance—she made nearly identical remarks during her policy speech on October 5.
Moreover, in that same policy address, Takayama placed her remarks on China within a section titled "a firm Japanese diplomacy," asserting the need to "strongly urge responsible actions" from China regarding activities in the East and South China Seas. The 2026 edition of Japan’s Foreign Policy White Paper downgraded China’s bilateral relationship from its long-standing designation as "one of the most important bilateral relationships" to merely "an important neighboring country." Furthermore, Takayama has repeatedly offered ritual items to Yasukuni Shrine, advanced constitutional revision and military expansion, discussed the introduction of nuclear-powered submarines, and advocated at the United Nations for the removal of the "enemy state clause" in the UN Charter—actions that represent a retreat on historical accountability.
Takayama’s approach is clear: verbally acknowledging China as a "key neighbor" while continuing provocative actions; making minor adjustments in tone without altering core positions. She seeks to respond to calls from Japan’s economic sector for improved relations with China, while simultaneously avoiding alienation of her right-wing base. This dual approach is unlikely to be accepted by Beijing. China’s position remains consistent: the Taiwan issue is the political foundation of Sino-Japanese relations, and Takayama must withdraw her erroneous statements on Taiwan. This is not a matter open to ambiguity. As the Foreign Ministry has stated, "The issue should be resolved by those who created it."
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1881176629944392/
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