Japan PM Takaichi's blunt remarks on Taiwan just latest in long string of controversies December 9, 2025 (Mainichi Japan) Japanese version Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi delivers an answer to a question in the House of Councillors on Dec. 8, 2025. (Mainichi/Akihiro Hirata) TOKYO -- Since its launch, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration had enjoyed a strong start, but her recent Diet remarks on a potential Taiwan crisis have soured Japan-China relations. Known as one of the most outspoken conservatives in Japanese politics
コピー激安通販 Takaichi had a history of controversial statements even before becoming prime minister. With the House of Representatives Budget Committee set to begin deliberations on the supplementary budget on Dec. 9, her direct speaking style could become a liability for her government. 'Even Abe never touched this issue' On Nov. 7, during a lower house budget committee session, Takaichi was asked about how Japan would respond if China imposed a maritime blockade on Taiwan. She replied, "If it involves the use of warships and the exercise of force, it would, by any measure, constitute a survival-threatening situation (for Japan)." Previous administrations had always avoided directly linking the exercise of collective self-defense to a Taiwan contingency. Takaichi's unprecedentedly explicit statement sent shock waves through political and diplomatic circles. China, which regards Taiwan as its "core of core interests," responded swiftly with "countermeasures
偽ブランド " including urging its citizens to refrain from traveling to Japan and effectively halting imports of Japanese seafood. On Dec. 6, Japan Air Self-Defense Force fighter planes were intermittingly targeted by radar from a Chinese military jet over international waters southeast of Okinawa Prefecture, further worsening bilateral relations. A senior member of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) commented, "Even former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe never touched this issue during his tenure, but Takaichi went there. China's reaction is only natural. The responsibility is huge." A former Cabinet minister lamented, "Why did she say that? She needs to consider not just domestic but also diplomatic influences when answering questions." Past controversies over broadcaster suspension remarks Takaichi's Diet remarks have sparked controversy before. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi answers a question at a House of Representatives Budget Committee session in the National Diet on Nov. 7, 2025. (Mainichi/Akihiro Hirata) In February 2016, as internal affairs minister with authority over broadcast licenses, she told the lower house budget committee that if a broadcaster repeatedly aired politically biased content, she could order a suspension of its signal under the Broadcast Act. While this was in line with the ministry's previous interpretation, her repeated references in the Diet to such a powerful sanction that leads to the survival or demise of broadcasting stations drew a fierce reaction from opposition parties. Even a senior official from then coalition partner Komeito urged her to "respond with a sense of caution." 'If it's real, will you resign?' 'Fine.' Debate over political fairness in broadcasting reignited in the 2023 ordinary Diet session, with Takaichi at the center. This followed the revelation of Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications documents detailing exchanges within the second Abe administration. The documents described how then-Prime Minister Abe's aide, Yosuke Isozaki, pressured the ministry to change its interpretation of the law in 2014-15. They also recorded a briefing to Takaichi, then internal affairs minister, in which she allegedly said, "Does TV Asahi have any fair programs?" and other such remarks. Takaichi insisted all references to her were "fabrications," and when asked if she would resign as a minister or lawmaker if the documents were genuine, she replied, "Fine." However, when the ministry later acknowledged that the briefing "most likely took place
コピーブランド服 " Takaichi countered that the documents were "inaccurate." The dispute devolved into a "he said, she said" argument, causing turmoil in the Diet. During the exchanges, Takaichi shot back at an opposition lawmaker who said, "I can't trust your answers at all," by saying emotionally
スーパーコピーブランド "If you can't trust my answers, then please stop asking questions." The session was suspended, and Takaichi was forced to withdraw her remarks. Supplementary budget debate looms From Dec. 9, the opposition plans to grill the government over the supplementary budget, with Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan leader Yoshihiko Noda saying, "It's all about the size. There are plenty of items that don't belong in a supplementary budget from the standpoint of urgency." The opposition is also considering submitting a motion to revise the budget. With the end of the Diet session approaching, Takaichi's answers could have a significant impact on the fate of the supplementary budget. (Japanese original by Itsuo Tokubo
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