Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi Stresses Dialogue with China Amid Taiwan Row

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi emphasized on Wednesday that Japan remains “always open” to dialogue with China despite the ongoing diplomatic tensions triggered by her remarks on Taiwan. Speaking at a news conference, Takaichi highlighted the importance of China as a neighboring country and stressed the need to maintain constructive and stable bilateral relations, stating that Japan is not closing the door on communication.

The diplomatic friction began after Takaichi suggested in November that Japan could consider military intervention if the self-ruled democratic island of Taiwan were attacked. China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, condemned the remarks and warned its citizens against traveling to Japan.

Recent tourism data reflects the impact of the diplomatic strain. Arrivals from mainland China to Japan in the past month increased by only three percent compared to the same period last year, marking the slowest growth since January 2022. Approximately 560,000 Chinese travelers visited Japan last month, according to the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO), with the travel advisory cited as a key factor in the modest increase. Previously, year-on-year growth of Chinese visitors had consistently remained in double digits, with 22.8 percent in October, 18.9 percent in September, and 36.5 percent in August.

The situation underscores the ongoing sensitivity of Sino-Japanese relations and highlights the broader geopolitical challenges surrounding Taiwan, while Japan continues to seek stable channels for dialogue with Beijing.