B
arely a month after taking office, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi triggered an escalation in tensions with China, the full extent of which the Japanese public is beginning to realize, as Beijing imposed harsh retaliatory measures against Japanese exports and tourism.
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China ramps up retaliatory measures against Japan, suspending travel and seafood purchases
On November 7, when responding to a question from an opposition lawmaker, Takaichi spoke of the "existential threat" that a Chinese attack on Taiwan would pose for Japan. "The situation has become so serious that we must consider the worst-case scenario," she said, suggesting that Japan might intervene militarily. Under the peace and security laws adopted in 2015, led by her predecessor and mentor Shinzo Abe (assassinated in July 2022), Japanese forces are now permitted to take part in "collective defense" operations alongside an ally.
