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Japan
Opinion
SCMP Editorial
Editorial
SCMP Editorial

Japan’s new PM must respect China’s red lines if ties are to improve

Sanae Takaichi should show she shares her predecessor’s understanding of the importance of China to Japan’s economy

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Lawmakers applaud as Sanae Takaichi is elected as Japan’s new prime minister in Tokyo, Japan, on October 21. Photo: AP
SCMP Editorial
Editorials represent the views of the South China Morning Post on the issues of the day.
Sanae Takaichi faces a trial by fire that leaves her little time to reflect on becoming Japan’s first female prime minister. This week, she is expected to make a major policy speech that delivers on her promise to her people to tackle rising prices. This weekend, she is expected to join talks to regional leaders alongside an Asean summit in Kuala Lumpur. Early next week, she meets United States President Donald Trump on his planned visit to Japan. At the end of this month, she is scheduled to attend the Apec leaders’ summit in South Korea, which may be her first opportunity to meet President Xi Jinping.

Japan’s relations with China were marked by increased engagement during the year in office of Shigeru Ishiba, Takaichi’s predecessor as leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). The Chinese Foreign Ministry has lost no time in reminding her of China’s red lines if ties are to further improve. A spokesperson said Beijing hoped Tokyo would honour its political commitments on major issues such as history and the Taiwan question.

An ally and cabinet colleague of the late former Japanese leader Shinzo Abe, who was hawkish on China, Takaichi is known for consistent adherence to two positions that affronted Beijing – support for Taiwan in repeated speeches and ritual visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, which commemorates war dead, including Class A war criminals; it remains symbolic of historical differences between the former enemies. Visiting the shrine as a politician is one thing; doing so as prime minister is another. She should take the difference to heart and think better of continuing her normal practice.

That may not be an entirely forlorn wish. Takaichi skipped her usual autumn festival visit to the shrine last weekend, apparently to avoid giving more offence to victims of past Japanese militarism and imperialism.

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