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Sanae Takaichi

(高市早苗)

Sanae Takaichi

高市早苗

The latest news and top stories on Sanae Takaichi. A long-serving member of the Japanese House of Representatives, she has held numerous significant cabinet roles. Her past positions include Minister of State for Economic Security, Internal Affairs and Communications, Science and Technology Policy, and Youth Affairs and Gender Equality. Known for her staunch conservative views and close alliance with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi has focused on strengthening Japan’s economic security, cybersecurity and national defence. She has also chaired the LDP’s Policy Research Council and recently led a commission on public safety and cybercrime. Takaichi has twice contended for the LDP leadership.

Beijing has maintained a hardline stance against Tokyo since Takaichi said in parliament on November 7 that an attack on Taiwan could be interpreted as a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan. Photo: Reuters

China-Japan relations

As Beijing targets Tokyo over Taiwan remarks, what levers does Japan have?

Japanese control of chemical used in semiconductors could prove significant, analysts say.

2 minutes agovideocam

China trade

China initiates anti-dumping probe against Japan over key semiconductor chemical

7 Jan 2026 - 6:00PMvideocam

China-South Korea relations

Lee’s bid for South Korea-China reset can only go so far

7 Jan 2026 - 5:00PM

China trade

China, South Korea sign US$44 million in trade deals after years of friction

High-level summit strengthens bilateral ties after years of strained relations, as China shores up regional relationships amid row with Japan.

7 Jan 2026 - 4:03PMvideocam

(L-R) South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and his wife, Kim Hea Kyung take a selfie with Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, by using a Xiaomi smartphone following a state dinner in Beijing on Monday. Photo: EPA/Yonhap/South Korea Out

China trade

China bans exports of military-related goods to Japan as dispute intensifies

Shipments of select goods – which could include drones and rare earths – to entities associated with the Japanese military have been restricted.

6 Jan 2026 - 6:43PMvideocam

China-Japan relations

‘Real and accelerating’: China-Japan military tensions surge amid missile race

Analysts hold out little hope that security pressures will ease, given US insistence that regional allies boost first island chain defences.

2 hours agovideocam

North Korea

North Korea fires missiles ahead of major party congress

The projectiles, launched off the North Korean east coast, are believed to have fallen outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone.

4 Jan 2026 - 1:44PMvideocam

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (centre) visits a military factory in this photo released on Sunday. Photo: KCNA/Reuters

China-Japan relations

Why China is turning down the nationalist heat in its row with Japan

With economic stakes high, Beijing seen as ‘more cautious in handling external frictions’, avoiding fanning of ‘uncontrollable’ nationalism.

4 Jan 2026 - 6:06AMvideocam

China-Japan relations

Japanese militarism invading culture and sports, China’s Study Times warns

Japanese far-right forces using culture and sports to ‘influence public perception and beautify the history of aggression’, article says.

3 Jan 2026 - 8:03PMvideocam

Japan

Why talk of a Japanese nuclear option is resurfacing – and why it alarms critics

Conservatives are calling for a rethink of nuclear taboos, while critics warn of risks to the global non-proliferation regime.

3 Jan 2026 - 3:00PMvideocam

A mushroom cloud rises moments after the US dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki, Japan, on August 9, 1945. Photo: AP

US-China relations

Trump to meet US’ China envoy after call with Japanese PM Takaichi

Trump and Takaichi telephone conversation reaffirms ‘close coordination’ of US-Japan alliance and hopes of a ‘new chapter’ for partnership.

3 Jan 2026 - 3:38AMvideocam

US President Donald Trump shakes hands with David Perdue during Perdue’s swearing-in ceremony as the US Ambassador to China at the White House in May. The pair are set to meet at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida on Friday. Photo: Reuters

US-China relations

Chinese public warms to US while strongly backing Beijing’s trade stance: survey

‘Substantial’ uptick in favourability towards America compared with previous year, but still lower than scores for Britain, the EU and Asean.

3 Jan 2026 - 1:25AMvideocam

China trade

China’s diplomatic divide: red carpet for Seoul, cold shoulder for Tokyo firms

While Tokyo’s corporate leaders stay home amid fallout from prime minister’s remarks on Taiwan, Beijing prepares to welcome South Korean president and top executives.

2 Jan 2026 - 9:00PMvideocam

Hong Kong tourism

Hong Kong receives twice as many mainland Chinese visitors on New Year’s Day

Industry leaders attribute rise to three-day holiday on mainland and strained Beijing-Tokyo ties drawing some to Hong Kong instead of Japan.

2 Jan 2026 - 9:16PM

Tourists outside the Peninsula in Tsim Sha Tsui on New Year’s Day. Photo: Jelly Tse

China-Japan relations

Japanese business leaders shelve annual China trip as tensions mount

Poor prospects for ‘substantial results’ prompts delegation of about 200 people to put visit on hold.

1 Jan 2026 - 7:51PMvideocam

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has remained defiant after her November remarks on Taiwan sparked a diplomatic row with Beijing. Photo: Kyodo

China-South Korea relations

China’s Wang Yi takes aim at Japan in call with South Korean foreign minister

In countdown to summit, Wang and Cho Hyun talk Taiwan, Tokyo and the Korean peninsula.

1 Jan 2026 - 5:06PMvideocam

Japan

Japan may lose GDP race to India amid weak yen, tourism woes, China row

Japan’s economy is likely to fall behind India’s this year, which analysts say would diminish Tokyo’s global influence.

1 Jan 2026 - 3:18PMvideocam

Japan

A toil for the toilet: Japan’s PM, women MPs, call for more lavatories

For the 73 women elected in 2024 to parliament’s lower house there is just one toilet, with two cubicles, near the main plenary session hall.

31 Dec 2025 - 8:22PM

Sanae Takaichi is Japan’s first female prime minister. File photo: Kyodo

China-Japan relations

Beijing hits back at ‘extremely hypocritical’ critics of drills around Taiwan

Japan, Australia, Britain and the EU express concern about live-fire and blockade exercises around island.

31 Dec 2025 - 7:16PMvideocam

100

Japan

Takaichi is shaping up as Japan’s Thatcher. How long can she last?

The prime minister has defied the odds by winning back LDP voters with sweeping immigration, economic policies and a tough stance on Beijing.

31 Dec 2025 - 4:35PMvideocam

Taiwan

Editorial | Powerful PLA drill shows US arms sales don’t help Taiwan Strait stability

As the US risks sending the wrong signal to Taiwan, Beijing has responded with an unambiguous warning against the island moving towards independence.

31 Dec 2025 - 7:15AM

Chinese ships patrol as the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) conducts military drills on Pingtan island, in eastern Chinas Fujian province, the closest point to Taiwan, on December 30, 2025. Photo: AFP

US-China relations

US envoy hosts Quad meeting in Beijing as PLA’s drills around Taiwan continue

Some analysts, however, say Quad is losing significance under Trump despite this latest show of unity and deterrence by the regional bloc.

1 Jan 2026 - 5:46AMvideocam

US Ambassador to China David Perdue hosted a meeting of Quad partners in Beijing on Tuesday as China continued large-scale military drills around Taiwan. Photo: Getty images via AFP

War and conflict

Opinion | If Trump wants a deal with China, he must rein in US allies in Asia

From Manila to Tokyo, domestic political dynamics are increasing the risks of a dangerous confrontation between Washington and Beijing.

30 Dec 2025 - 8:30PMvideocam

China-South Korea relations

South Korea’s Lee Jae-myung to visit China on economic and nuclear mission

The pragmatic president is seeking to balance relations with Beijing while keeping Washington onside.

30 Dec 2025 - 7:26PMvideocam

US-China relations

China and US need new ways to engage for stable ties: Wang Yi

Speaking at a symposium in Beijing, the foreign minister also criticised remarks Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made about Taiwan.

30 Dec 2025 - 7:36PMvideocam

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrives to deliver an opening speech at the annual Symposium on the International Situation and China’s Foreign Relations in Beijing on Tuesday. Photo: AP

US-China relations

‘No worries’: Trump plays down Beijing’s military drills around Taiwan

Trump dismisses ‘routine’ drills in Taiwan Strait even as US arms sales hit record high and Pentagon repeats 2027 timeline.

30 Dec 2025 - 7:28AMvideocam

US President Donald Trump spoke about China’s military drills around Taiwan during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida on Monday. Photo: Getty Images via AFP

China-Japan relations

How Takaichi’s Taiwan comments fuelled Beijing-Tokyo row with no end in sight

Dispute over Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on Taiwan could ultimately hinge on the US-China-Japan triangle, analysts say.

7 Jan 2026 - 7:40AMvideocam

China-Japan relations

Why Chinese victims of Japan’s WWII bio-warfare are still waiting for justice

Dark chapter’s telling complicated by Tokyo’s official denials, Washington’s immunity deals and Beijing’s shifting diplomatic priorities.

28 Dec 2025 - 12:00PM

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Sanae Takaichi

(高市早苗)

As Beijing targets Tokyo over Taiwan remarks, what levers does Japan have?

Japanese control of chemical used in semiconductors could prove significant, analysts say.

China initiates anti-dumping probe against Japan over key semiconductor chemical

Lee’s bid for South Korea-China reset can only go so far

China, South Korea sign US$44 million in trade deals after years of friction

High-level summit strengthens bilateral ties after years of strained relations, as China shores up regional relationships amid row with Japan.

China bans exports of military-related goods to Japan as dispute intensifies

Shipments of select goods – which could include drones and rare earths – to entities associated with the Japanese military have been restricted.

‘Real and accelerating’: China-Japan military tensions surge amid missile race

Analysts hold out little hope that security pressures will ease, given US insistence that regional allies boost first island chain defences.

North Korea fires missiles ahead of major party congress

The projectiles, launched off the North Korean east coast, are believed to have fallen outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone.

Why China is turning down the nationalist heat in its row with Japan

With economic stakes high, Beijing seen as ‘more cautious in handling external frictions’, avoiding fanning of ‘uncontrollable’ nationalism.

Japanese militarism invading culture and sports, China’s Study Times warns

Japanese far-right forces using culture and sports to ‘influence public perception and beautify the history of aggression’, article says.

Why talk of a Japanese nuclear option is resurfacing – and why it alarms critics

Conservatives are calling for a rethink of nuclear taboos, while critics warn of risks to the global non-proliferation regime.

Trump to meet US’ China envoy after call with Japanese PM Takaichi

Trump and Takaichi telephone conversation reaffirms ‘close coordination’ of US-Japan alliance and hopes of a ‘new chapter’ for partnership.

Chinese public warms to US while strongly backing Beijing’s trade stance: survey

‘Substantial’ uptick in favourability towards America compared with previous year, but still lower than scores for Britain, the EU and Asean.

China’s diplomatic divide: red carpet for Seoul, cold shoulder for Tokyo firms

While Tokyo’s corporate leaders stay home amid fallout from prime minister’s remarks on Taiwan, Beijing prepares to welcome South Korean president and top executives.

Hong Kong receives twice as many mainland Chinese visitors on New Year’s Day

Industry leaders attribute rise to three-day holiday on mainland and strained Beijing-Tokyo ties drawing some to Hong Kong instead of Japan.

Japanese business leaders shelve annual China trip as tensions mount

Poor prospects for ‘substantial results’ prompts delegation of about 200 people to put visit on hold.

China’s Wang Yi takes aim at Japan in call with South Korean foreign minister

In countdown to summit, Wang and Cho Hyun talk Taiwan, Tokyo and the Korean peninsula.

Japan may lose GDP race to India amid weak yen, tourism woes, China row

Japan’s economy is likely to fall behind India’s this year, which analysts say would diminish Tokyo’s global influence.

A toil for the toilet: Japan’s PM, women MPs, call for more lavatories

For the 73 women elected in 2024 to parliament’s lower house there is just one toilet, with two cubicles, near the main plenary session hall.

Beijing hits back at ‘extremely hypocritical’ critics of drills around Taiwan

Japan, Australia, Britain and the EU express concern about live-fire and blockade exercises around island.

Takaichi is shaping up as Japan’s Thatcher. How long can she last?

The prime minister has defied the odds by winning back LDP voters with sweeping immigration, economic policies and a tough stance on Beijing.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Editorial | Powerful PLA drill shows US arms sales don’t help Taiwan Strait stability

As the US risks sending the wrong signal to Taiwan, Beijing has responded with an unambiguous warning against the island moving towards independence.

US envoy hosts Quad meeting in Beijing as PLA’s drills around Taiwan continue

Some analysts, however, say Quad is losing significance under Trump despite this latest show of unity and deterrence by the regional bloc.

Opinion | If Trump wants a deal with China, he must rein in US allies in Asia

From Manila to Tokyo, domestic political dynamics are increasing the risks of a dangerous confrontation between Washington and Beijing.

South Korea’s Lee Jae-myung to visit China on economic and nuclear mission

The pragmatic president is seeking to balance relations with Beijing while keeping Washington onside.

China and US need new ways to engage for stable ties: Wang Yi

Speaking at a symposium in Beijing, the foreign minister also criticised remarks Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made about Taiwan.

‘No worries’: Trump plays down Beijing’s military drills around Taiwan

Trump dismisses ‘routine’ drills in Taiwan Strait even as US arms sales hit record high and Pentagon repeats 2027 timeline.

How Takaichi’s Taiwan comments fuelled Beijing-Tokyo row with no end in sight

Dispute over Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on Taiwan could ultimately hinge on the US-China-Japan triangle, analysts say.

Why Chinese victims of Japan’s WWII bio-warfare are still waiting for justice

Dark chapter’s telling complicated by Tokyo’s official denials, Washington’s immunity deals and Beijing’s shifting diplomatic priorities.

Editorial | Powerful PLA drill shows US arms sales don’t help Taiwan Strait stability