Japan’s New Policy chief Eyes Abe-Era Tactics to Reset China Ties
Tokyo – Sanae Takaichi, recently appointed as Japan’s policy chief, is signaling a potential shift in approach toward China, drawing on the diplomatic playbook of her mentor, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The move comes amid heightened tensions following Takaichi’s recent remarks concerning a potential Taiwan contingency, which prompted a sharp rebuke from Beijing, adn a subsequent phone call between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump on November 24th.
Takaichi’s appointment and initial statements represent a calculated attempt to recalibrate Japan’s relationship with China, balancing security concerns with the economic realities of a vital trading partnership. While maintaining a firm stance on regional security, particularly regarding Taiwan, she appears poised to leverage Abe’s strategies of high-level dialog and economic cooperation to manage the increasingly complex dynamic with Beijing. This approach is particularly crucial given the potential for escalating tensions in the region and the need for stable communication channels.
The diplomatic friction sparked by Takaichi’s comments – where she acknowledged the necessity of considering options regarding Taiwan,including a potential military response in conjunction with the U.S. – underscored the sensitivity surrounding the issue. China’s strong reaction highlighted its unwavering position on Taiwan’s sovereignty. However, the subsequent conversation between Xi and Trump suggests both sides recognise the importance of maintaining communication, even amidst disagreements.
Abe, during his two terms as prime minister, pursued a multifaceted strategy toward China.He prioritized building personal relationships with Xi jinping, engaging in frequent summits despite ongoing territorial disputes and historical grievances. Simultaneously, Abe strengthened Japan’s alliance with the United States and actively promoted the ”Free and Open Indo-Pacific” vision, aimed at countering China’s growing influence.
Sources close to Takaichi indicate she intends to replicate this balancing act. She is expected to prioritize establishing direct communication channels with Beijing,focusing on areas of mutual interest such as trade and regional stability.A key element of Abe’s strategy was separating contentious issues like territorial disputes from broader economic cooperation.Takaichi is highly likely to adopt a similar approach,seeking to compartmentalize disagreements while pursuing opportunities for collaboration.
However, replicating Abe’s success will not be without challenges. The geopolitical landscape has shifted considerably since Abe’s time in office. China is now more assertive on the global stage, and the U.S.-China relationship is increasingly competitive. Moreover, domestic political pressures in both Japan and china could constrain Takaichi’s maneuvering room.
Despite these hurdles, Takaichi’s willingness to explore a more nuanced approach to China offers a potential pathway to de-escalate tensions and foster a more stable regional environment. Her success will depend on her ability to navigate the complex interplay of security concerns, economic interests, and domestic political considerations, all while drawing upon the lessons learned from her mentor, Shinzo Abe.
Katsuji Nakazawa
November 27, 2025 04:00 JST
