TOKYO – Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has bared her intention to continue dialogue 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 recently.
Takaichi emphasized that her remarks did not change the Japanese government’s conventional position on the Taiwan issue. At a parliamentary meeting on November 7, Takaichi said a Taiwan contingency could constitute a situation that threatens Japan’s survival, and allows it to exercise its right to collective self-defense. Her statement provoked a fierce backlash from China.
“Communication is important, especially when there are pending issues and challenges. The Japanese side is open to holding various dialogues with China, including between their leaders,” she said (Jiji Press)