Japan PM Takaichi seeks stable ties with China and addresses population crisis

Sanae Takaichi Japan-China relations demographic crisis fiscal policy diplomatic tensions

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi delivered a policy address to Parliament, describing China as an ‘important neighbour’ and pledging to build a constructive and stable relationship. This comes amid strained diplomatic ties following Takaichi’s comments last November regarding potential Japanese intervention in Taiwan. While seeking stability, she emphasized that Japan will firmly defend its national positions and demand responsible behavior regarding maritime security and human rights.

Domestically, Takaichi addressed Japan’s ‘quietly advancing national crisis’ of population decline, promising a comprehensive government strategy by the end of the year. She also pledged to maintain fiscal sustainability and win market trust despite concerns over rising debt and inflation.

Diplomatic tensions were highlighted by reports that China’s Foreign Ministry has begun omitting Takaichi’s official title, referring to her by name alone—a move described by some observers as a diplomatic downgrade. Additionally, China has previously imposed trade restrictions on rare earth minerals, impacting Japanese industries.

Entities

China · China Ministry of Foreign Affairs · Guo Jiakun · Japan · Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China · Sanae Takaichi

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] The approval rating for Prime Minister Takaichi's cabinet fell to 45%, down from 65% at the start of her term. biz.heraldcorp.com
[● 10 SOURCES] Prime Minister Takaichi is expected to refer to China as an 'important neighbour' in an upcoming policy address. thesun.my · megafon.si · notiziedi.it · hojemacau.com.mo · www.stheadline.com · +5 more
[● 6 SOURCES] The Japanese government plans to formulate a comprehensive strategy to address population decline by the end of the year. thesun.my · megafon.si · minanews.net · expedientesinico.com · tuoitre.vn · +1 more
[● 2 SOURCES] The Sing Tao Daily described China's changing terminology as a diplomatic downgrade toward Japan. www.hani.co.kr · chinascope.org
[● 2 SOURCES] China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun omitted the title of Prime Minister when referring to Sanae Takaichi during a September 30 press briefing. www.hani.co.kr · chinascope.org
[● 2 SOURCES] Prime Minister Takaichi pledged to pursue a ‘responsible and proactive’ fiscal policy to balance economic growth and sustainability. www.adnkronos.com · www.stheadline.com
[● 4 SOURCES] China has imposed trade restrictions that have caused significant drops in the supply of rare earth minerals to Japanese firms. expedientesinico.com · megafon.si · thesun.my · tuoitre.vn
[● 3 SOURCES] The number of Japanese people living in the country fell below 120 million for the first time in 42 years. megafon.si · minanews.net · thesun.my