On November 23, 2025, former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda publicly urged Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to take concrete steps to repair strained relations with the Chinese mainland. As tensions between Tokyo and Beijing have escalated in recent weeks, Noda called for clearer communication and multi-layered dialogue.
Speaking at a party meeting, Noda, who now leads the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, pinpointed Takaichi's recent remarks on the Taiwan region as a key trigger for the current diplomatic chill. "These radical comments have clouded our strategic partnership," he said, urging the government to explain its official stance and dispel misunderstandings through sustained talks at multiple levels—not just leader-to-leader exchanges.
The controversy began on November 7, when Takaichi, during a Diet session, suggested that the Chinese mainland’s use of force on the Taiwan region could pose an existential threat to Japan and hinted at the possibility of intervention in the Taiwan Strait. Although she insisted her comments aligned with long-standing policy, her refusal to retract the statement sparked public outcry.
A protest organized outside Takaichi’s official residence on November 21 drew dozens of residents, who demanded an apology and a clear explanation for the remarks. According to Xinhua, demonstrators held banners reading "Diplomacy, Not Provocation."
Noda emphasized that a "strategic relationship of mutual benefit" with the Chinese mainland must allow for open channels of communication. "Japan needs to build bridges, not barriers," he said, calling on the prime minister to demonstrate self-discipline and reassure both domestic and international audiences of Tokyo’s commitment to stable regional ties.
As Japan navigates a complex security environment, Noda’s appeal highlights the growing expectation among young global citizens and business communities for nuanced, data-driven diplomacy. With G20 and APEC calendars on the horizon, many eyes will be on how Tokyo and Beijing manage this diplomatic test—one that could reshape economic and security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
