Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday reiterated that Japan remains open to communications with China and committed to constructive, stable ties, consistent with her recent statements and two months in office. The remarks, in a Q&A after a speech, come amid simmering tensions from her November comments on Taiwan.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi emphasized dialogue's importance during a question-and-answer session following a speech on Thursday. "As neighboring countries, there do tend to be areas of concern and challenges, but that is precisely why communication on all levels, including at the leadership level, is so important," she said. "We are open to all sorts of dialogue with China. We have not closed that door."
Building on her remarks last week after parliament, the comments address the ongoing dispute sparked by her early November statement that Japan's Self-Defense Forces could theoretically respond to a Chinese attack on Taiwan. Beijing reacted with tourist curbs and criticism.
The Taiwan issue remains a flashpoint despite economic ties. Takaichi's words signal intent to resume high-level talks as Tokyo pursues its consistent bilateral goals.
