1. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called for stable relations with China on 5 October, pairing an offer of dialogue with a pledge to defend Japan’s positions as the two countries remain divided over Taiwan.

Addressing parliament in Tokyo, she described China as an “important neighbour”, AFP reported. She said Japan would communicate over shared challenges and pursue a constructive relationship while safeguarding its national interests.

Takaichi also said Japan would firmly state its positions and press for responsible behaviour, according to AFP. Her remarks followed a renewed Chinese demand that Tokyo change its stance on Taiwan.

In an official account of a meeting in Beijing on 28 September, China’s foreign ministry said Wang Yi had told former Japanese foreign minister Takeshi Iwaya that bilateral relations were again facing serious difficulties and needed to be normalised.

Wang said Japan urgently needed to correct what he described as its leader’s erroneous statements and actions on Taiwan. He also called for what he considered a correct attitude towards history and a rational understanding of China, the ministry said.

Iwaya attended as president of the Japan Association for the Promotion of International Trade. The ministry attributed to him concern about the state of relations and a commitment to helping return ties to the principles set out in the countries’ four political documents.

The ministry’s account also said Iwaya stressed that Japan should learn from the past and continue pursuing peaceful development.

Relations deteriorated after Takaichi suggested in November 2025 that Japan could intervene militarily if Taiwan were attacked, according to AFP. China claims Taiwan as its territory.

The parliamentary address also covered domestic priorities. Takaichi pledged a comprehensive strategy by the end of 2026 to address population decline, AFP reported.

She renewed her commitment to proactive but responsible fiscal policy and to maintaining market confidence. The parliamentary session is scheduled to continue until December, with a proposed two-year reduction in consumption tax on food among the measures to be discussed, according to Asharq Al-Awsat’s report.