On December 16, 2025, in a heated session of Japan’s Diet, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi faced intense criticism from opposition lawmakers over her evasive responses to questions about the Taiwan region.
Constitutional Democratic Party lawmaker Hajime Hirota pressed Takaichi to clarify whether the Taiwan region would be classified as an "other country with close ties to Japan" in the context of a "survival-threatening situation." Takaichi replied that the category is "not specified in advance" and must be judged "on a case-by-case basis," stopping short of a firm definition.
Opposition members, shouting that it was her "last chance," demanded that Takaichi retract her earlier remarks on Taiwan. Though the prime minister reiterated that "there has been no change to the Japanese government’s basic position," she did not detail what that stance entailed. The debate grew so fierce that the session was briefly suspended and the live broadcast muted three times.
The controversy stems from remarks Takaichi made on November 7, when she suggested that the Chinese mainland’s "use of force on the Taiwan region" could pose a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan. Domestic and international critics swiftly challenged her statement, prompting calls for greater clarity.
Analysts say that clear policy on cross-Strait security is crucial for investor confidence and sustainable travel in the region. Ambiguity in Tokyo’s stance could ripple through global markets, impact supply chains and unsettle digital nomads planning trips to Taiwan or nearby destinations.
As opposition parties continue to demand a written statement outlining Tokyo’s position, all eyes are on upcoming parliamentary sessions for a more concrete policy framework. For a region where politics, trade and tourism intersect, transparency will be key to maintaining stability and trust.
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Takaichi criticized in Diet meeting over evasiveness on China's Taiwan
cgtn.com
