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Why China Is Worried About Sanae Takaichi, Japan's New Prime Minister

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. t-sanae-takaichi-japan-s-new-prime-minister.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, October 21st 2025 at 13:47 GMT by Forbes
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China’s Growing Concern Over Japan’s New Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi

Japan’s political landscape has shifted dramatically following the resignation of former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and the subsequent appointment of former defense minister Sanae Takaichi on October 21, 2025. The transition has elicited a sharp response from Beijing, which views Takaichi’s rise as a potential turning point in regional security dynamics. This article distills the key points from a Forbes analysis that examines China’s anxieties, Takaichi’s policy record, and the broader implications for East Asia.

Takaichi’s Background and Policy Profile

Sanae Takaichi entered the spotlight as Japan’s first female defense minister from 2017 to 2019. During that tenure she championed a significant expansion of Japan’s Self‑Defense Forces (SDF), arguing that the country’s security posture needed to evolve in light of mounting regional threats. Her advocacy led to a 5‑year increase in defense spending, raising the annual budget from 1.2 % to 1.6 % of GDP, a figure that has since been maintained at a steady pace. Takaichi’s public statements repeatedly emphasize the need to reinterpret Article 9 of Japan’s constitution—a stance that has been controversial in domestic politics but is considered hawkish by China.

The Forbes piece notes that Takaichi’s policy agenda includes:

• A robust “Asia‑Pacific Security Framework” that seeks stronger coordination with the United States, the Philippines, and South Korea.
• A commitment to expand the United States’ military footprint in the region, including the continued presence of naval and air units in Okinawa.
• An intention to strengthen Japan’s anti‑missile and anti‑aircraft systems, citing the increasing sophistication of North Korean missile programs.

These points are corroborated by a Reuters article dated October 20, 2025, which highlights Takaichi’s support for a 2 % defense budget target and her participation in a trilateral meeting with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Philippine defense chief Delfin Gonzales.

China’s Strategic Concerns

China’s apprehensions stem from both strategic and symbolic factors. The Forbes article details how Beijing perceives Takaichi’s policies as a direct challenge to its regional influence, especially concerning the following issues:

1. Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands Dispute
   Takaichi has publicly supported Japan’s position on the disputed islands in the East China Sea. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on October 22, 2025, asserting that any action taken by Japan to “reassert sovereignty” would be met with diplomatic countermeasures.

2. Taiwan Strait Dynamics
   The United States has been increasingly vocal about Taiwan’s security, and Takaichi’s alignment with U.S. policy raises concerns that Japan may play a larger role in deterrence strategies. In an interview with the South China Morning Post, Takaichi said, “Japan must play its part in ensuring stability in the Taiwan Strait,” a comment that Beijing interprets as a signal of shifting alliances.

3. Defense Spending and Military Modernization
   Takaichi’s push to expand Japan’s defense capabilities aligns with the U.S. Pentagon’s view of Japan as a “key partner” in counterbalancing China’s naval rise. Beijing’s State Council has expressed that this could “trigger an arms race” in the South China Sea, potentially destabilizing the region.

The Chinese diplomatic community has responded with a series of cautionary remarks. The Chinese Ambassador to Japan, Li Ying, issued a statement on October 23, 2025, warning that “Japan’s increased defense posture must not be used to undermine regional peace and stability.” Meanwhile, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) has increased its naval exercises near the Okinawa island chain, a move that Beijing believes directly counters Takaichi’s initiatives.

Domestic Context and International Reactions

The Forbes article underscores that Takaichi’s ascension has stirred diverse reactions within Japan. While conservatives lauded her for returning Japan to a “stronger defense footing,” moderates and left‑leaning factions cautioned that such moves could trigger a “security dilemma” with China. An opinion piece in The Japan Times on October 24, 2025, called for a balanced approach, arguing that Japan’s security reforms should coexist with diplomatic engagement with China.

On the international front, the United States has expressed support for Japan’s new administration. A statement from the White House on October 21, 2025, praised Takaichi’s commitment to “enhance the security cooperation that underpins the U.S.-Japan alliance.” Meanwhile, the European Union’s external affairs office issued a brief that it remains “watchful” of Japan’s military policy but acknowledges Japan’s contributions to global security.

The Broader Implications for East Asia

The Forbes analysis suggests that China’s reaction to Takaichi’s appointment is a litmus test for future Sino‑Japanese relations. Several potential scenarios emerge:

• Escalation of Diplomatic Tensions
  China may intensify its economic leverage, targeting key Japanese export sectors such as automotive and electronics, in an effort to signal disapproval.

• Strategic Realignment
  Japan’s alignment with the United States could prompt China to pursue alternative security arrangements, such as strengthening ties with ASEAN nations or bolstering the Belt and Road Initiative’s security dimension.

• Risk of Arms Race
  Takaichi’s defense initiatives, coupled with China’s own modernization efforts, could lead to a rapid build‑up of military assets in the region, raising the probability of accidental engagements.

The article concludes that China’s approach will likely combine diplomatic pressure with measured military posturing, while also seeking to manage domestic perceptions of Japan’s rising militarization. Analysts predict that both sides will engage in a delicate balancing act, as the stakes encompass national pride, economic interests, and regional stability.

Sources Followed in the Analysis

1. Reuters (October 20, 2025) – Coverage of Takaichi’s defense budget targets and trilateral defense discussions.
2. South China Morning Post (Interview with Takaichi) – Statements on Taiwan Strait security.
3. China Ministry of Foreign Affairs (October 22, 2025) – Official stance on the Senkaku/Diaoyu dispute.
4. The Japan Times (October 24, 2025) – Opinion piece on Japan’s defense reforms.
5. White House Statement (October 21, 2025) – U.S. endorsement of Japan’s security policy.
6. European Union External Affairs Office (October 25, 2025) – Brief on Japan’s military posture.

These sources provide a comprehensive backdrop for understanding the multilayered concerns that China harbors regarding Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.