Prime Minister Takaichi: "China Is an Important Neighbor... Will Maintain Communication"

On Japan's Economy: "We Have Not Yet Escaped Deflation"
Declining Approval for the Takaichi Cabinet: "I Will Not Be Swayed by the Numbers"

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has reiterated her openness to communication with China.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Yonhap News Agency

According to Yonhap News Agency, Prime Minister Takaichi held a press conference at the Prime Minister's Office in Tokyo on the afternoon of July 27. When asked about the strained Japan-China relationship, she stated, "China is an important neighboring country," and emphasized, "Since my inauguration as Prime Minister, I have consistently pursued the policy of comprehensively promoting a strategic and mutually beneficial partnership in order to build a constructive and stable relationship."

She went on to say, "Given the concerns and issues in Japan-China relations, it is important to engage in dialogue and communication at every level and on every occasion." She added, "While maintaining communication with China, we will continue to respond calmly and appropriately from the perspective of our national interests." She also remarked on the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit scheduled to be held in Shenzhen, China, this November, expressing, "I am looking forward to it." There is also growing interest in whether a Japan-China summit will take place in conjunction with this year's APEC meeting.

Prime Minister Takaichi also shared her impressions of her visit to Andong, South Korea, last May, stating that she was "deeply moved." Regarding the issue of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea, she stressed, "Although a long time has passed, we strongly believe that this matter can no longer be postponed."

At the press conference, domestic issues in Japan drew more attention than diplomatic matters. On inflation measures, Prime Minister Takaichi explained, "We are implementing measures, including a supplementary budget, and the positive effects will gradually reach the public." She added, "I want to make it absolutely clear that Japan currently has the lowest inflation rate and the highest real wage growth among the G7 countries." However, she maintained a cautious stance on the Japanese economy, stating, "We are not yet in a position to declare the end of deflation."

Amid a recent decline in the Takaichi Cabinet's approval rating according to major media polls, Prime Minister Takaichi said, "I will not be swayed by the numbers, and I will work with humility and sincerity for the country and its people."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.