Tokyo ‘closely monitoring’ backlash from China, Japanese PM tells lawmakers
Japan’s Diet hears concerns about economic effects of Beijing’s countermeasures in the wake of Sanae Takaichi’s comments on Taiwan
Takaichi delivered these remarks during a Tuesday morning Diet session, while addressing a draft supplementary budget to fund her administration’s comprehensive economic package.
On concerns about the economic impact from Beijing’s countermeasures – which have included a travel alert, a seafood import ban and cancelled concerts – Takaichi said the government was aware that “various situations” were developing and would respond as needed.
“We will closely monitor the situation, including the impact of China’s series of measures, and respond appropriately,” she said.
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Why have Takaichi’s Taiwan comments sent China-Japan ties into a tailspin?
The remarks have drawn strong criticism from Beijing, which views Taiwan as part of China to be reunited by force if necessary. Japan and its treaty ally the United States, like most countries, do not recognise Taiwan as an independent state, but Washington opposes any attempt to take the self-ruled island by force and is legally bound to provide arms for its defence.