China urges Japan’s new PM Takaichi to honor commitments on Taiwan
16:59, 21/10/2025, TuesdayU: Update: 18:22, 21/10/2025, Tuesday
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Newly elected Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi arrives at her official residence in Tokyo, Japan, escorted by Security Police (SP) officers, shortly after being chosen by parliament as the country’s new leader, on October 21, 2025. Aged 64, Takaichi has become Japan’s first female prime minister, succeeding Shigeru Ishiba. A nationalist figure from the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), she took office amid political and diplomatic uncertainty just days before the visit of U.S. President Donald Trump to Japan.Beijing called on Japan’s first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, to respect Tokyo’s past political pledges on Taiwan, urging her new government to strengthen cooperation with China. The remarks came shortly after Takaichi’s election victory in Japan’s parliament, drawing regional reactions from Seoul, New Delhi, and Kuala Lumpur.
Beijing on Tuesday urged Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to uphold Tokyo’s longstanding political commitments on Taiwan, emphasizing the need for constructive engagement between the two Asian neighbors. The call came hours after Takaichi, leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), was elected as the country’s first female prime minister during a parliamentary vote in Tokyo.
China calls for adherence to ‘political foundation’
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Beijing “noted” the outcome of Japan’s leadership race but underlined that it remained Japan’s internal affair. “China and Japan are close neighbors,” Guo stated at a press briefing in Beijing. “We hope Japan will move in the same direction with us and abide by its political commitments related to history and Taiwan.” He also urged the new government in Tokyo to “preserve the political foundation” of bilateral relations and deepen the “strategic relationship of mutual benefit.”
Regional reactions from Seoul and beyond
Takaichi’s rise to power has drawn swift responses across Asia. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung congratulated her and expressed hopes to “further strengthen future-oriented, mutually beneficial cooperation” between Seoul and Tokyo. South Korea’s Foreign Ministry also said it would maintain communication with Japan’s new cabinet “to continue the positive momentum” in their bilateral ties.
India and Malaysia welcome Japan’s first female leader
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Takaichi on social media platform X, describing her election as a significant moment for Japan. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim praised her appointment as “a landmark in Japan’s political life” and a reflection of the country’s democratic evolution. Taiwan’s Vice President William Lai Ching-te also extended his congratulations, calling Japan and Taiwan “close partners sharing common values.”
Takaichi’s first diplomatic steps
Following her election in Japan’s 219th extraordinary parliamentary session, Takaichi is expected to attend the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Malaysia later this week — her first foreign engagement as prime minister.