Takaichi’s victory reflects deep structural, ideological shift in Japan, says Beijing

China on Monday said Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s massive victory in the midterm polls, a result widely seen as fuelled by public resentment over Beijing’s strong Opposition to her, reflected some deep-seated structural problems and shifting ideological currents.

Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party won more than two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives in Sunday’s election. The election results in Japan reflected some deep-seated structural problems as well as evolving trends of ideological currents, which deserve profound reflection by visionary individuals from all walks of life in Japan and the international community at large, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told mediapersons.

He was replying to a question at a media briefing here whether Beijing’s tough stance toward Takaichi’s remarks on Taiwan, persisting with diplomatic tension, influenced the outcome of elections in her favour.

“We urge those running the Japanese government to take seriously rather than brush aside the concerns of the international community, follow the path of peaceful development rather than return to militarism,” he said.

“If Japan’s far-Right forces miscalculate and act recklessly, they will be met by resistance from the Japanese people and serious backlash from the international community,” he said. — PTI