No winter lasts forever, but the deep chill in the Beijing-Tokyo relationship set off by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on Taiwan could last a long time.
Takaichi has had consistently high approval ratings since taking office, which could encourage her to solidify her position on the island. But there is one big uncertainty – US President Donald Trump’s reluctance to show open support for Japan, America’s closest ally in the region
Ties between Beijing and Tokyo have sunk to their lowest level in recent years since Takaichi suggested to the Japanese parliament on November 7 that her country would be justified in deploying its military for “collective self-defence” along with other nations if there was conflict over Taiwan.
Beijing responded by unleashing economic retaliation, a nationalist barrage and a diplomatic offensive against Japan. It also demanded that Takaichi retract her statement.
While Takaichi said she would avoid discussing specific scenarios in the future, she has not withdrawn her statement – the first time a Japanese leader has made an explicit case about Taiwan.
Then Trump weighed in, calling Takaichi on Tuesday hours after his phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, during which Xi stressed that “Taiwan’s return to China” was a key part of the post-war world order.