China emphasized the need for tangible steps from Tokyo following Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s expressed willingness for dialogues with Beijing. China called for specific actions, requesting a withdrawal of Takaichi’s earlier statement in November that Japan could militarily intervene in a Chinese assault on Taiwan. This statement had escalated tensions, causing a prolonged diplomatic standoff between the two nations.
Just a day after her significant election victory, Takaichi indicated to the media that Japan was willing to engage in dialogues with China. In response to her remarks, China’s foreign ministry highlighted the importance of genuine dialogues based on mutual respect between the two countries.