Japan PM Takaichi Defends Taiwan Remarks During First Party Leaders’ Debate

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stood by her earlier comments regarding a potential Taiwan-related contingency involving Japan during the first party leaders’ debate in the Diet. Opposition lawmakers pressed her on whether her statements worsened Japan–China relations, but Takaichi said she was simply responding to a specific question raised in the Diet earlier this month.
Takaichi explained that the question posed to her referenced a Taiwan scenario and the possibility of sea lane blockades, and she felt obligated to answer sincerely rather than repeat standard government responses. She emphasized that her remarks reflected the government’s unified position as clarified by the Cabinet.
Addressing Tokyo’s stance on Taiwan, Takaichi reaffirmed that Japan maintains only working-level, nongovernmental ties and does not recognize Taiwan’s legal status under the Treaty of San Francisco. She also reiterated support for Japan’s three non-nuclear principles, stating that she adheres to long-standing policy and had not instructed any review of them.
The debate highlighted domestic scrutiny over security policy, especially as the government accelerates revisions to key defense documents. Takaichi maintained that any adjustments would follow established policy lines and not alter Japan’s non-nuclear commitments.