Sanae Takaichi, leader of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party with a ‘hardline conservative’ stance, has been elected as the new Prime Minister of Japan. Following this, the Chinese government reiterated its position that Japan should adhere to the political commitments it has made regarding historical and Taiwan issues.
During a briefing on the 21st, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, when asked about China’s position on the election of Takaichi, stated, “We have taken note of the election results, and it is an internal matter of Japan.” He further added, “China and Japan are close neighbors, and China’s fundamental stance on China-Japan relations is consistent and clear.”
Spokesperson Guo expressed hope that Japan would face China, adhere to the principles of the four major political documents between China and Japan, and keep its political commitments on significant issues such as history and Taiwan. He added, “We hope to safeguard the political foundation of bilateral relations and comprehensively advance the China-Japan strategic and mutually beneficial relationship.”
The four major political documents between China and Japan mentioned by China refer to the China-Japan Joint Statement announced during the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1972, the 1978 China-Japan Peace and Friendship Treaty, the 1998 Joint Declaration on the Establishment of a Partnership of Friendship and Cooperation for Peace and Development, and the 2008 Joint Statement on Comprehensive Promotion of a Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests.
These documents include principles such as the ‘One China’ policy, mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and opposition to hegemony. China often uses these as leverage when pressuring Japan, which has maintained close ties with Taiwan.
There are speculations in Chinese circles that the newly-appointed Takaichi, who is known for her strong right-wing stance to the extent of being called the ‘female Abe,’ might continue to strengthen the anti-China policy line.
There are also concerns that her regular visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, where Class A war criminals from the Pacific War are enshrined, could lead to conflicts with neighboring countries like South Korea and China over historical issues.
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