Takaichi to Seek Stable Ties with Beijing
Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is expected to describe China as an important neighbour and to say she intends to build a constructive and stable relationship with Beijing, according to a report by private broadcaster TV Asahi, which cited an early draft of her policy speech. The address is scheduled for Monday in Japan's parliament. Diplomatic relations between the two Asian economic powers have been at a low point since Takaichi suggested in November that Tokyo might intervene in any attack on Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory.[S1][S2]
The address comes on the heels of comments made the previous week by China's most senior diplomat, who described relations with Tokyo as "waiting to be normalised again" while receiving a former Japanese foreign minister who was heading a trade mission in Beijing. Last year Beijing advised its nationals not to visit Japan and brought in trade curbs that have reportedly led to sharp reductions in shipments of essential rare earth minerals to Japanese companies.[S1]
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Population Decline and Fiscal Plans in Focus
According to Kyodo News, which cited government sources who were not named, Takaichi is also set to indicate that her administration will prepare a wide-ranging blueprint for tackling a shrinking population, a situation she intends to label a quietly advancing national crisis. She is expected to promise such a strategy will be drawn up before the year ends. Figures published by the government in July revealed Japan's population had dropped under 120 million for the first time in 42 years.[S1]
Media reports said the prime minister will restate her backing for a proactive and responsible fiscal approach, following market unease over her expansive spending programme. Her address opens a parliamentary session that runs until December, with several bills on the agenda, among them a proposal to lower the consumption tax on food for two years to soften how inflation affects voters' everyday lives. The reports added that Takaichi will also voice support for the International Criminal Court, after Washington sanctioned its Japanese President, Tomoko Akane, in August.[S1]
