17:48 JST, May 7, 2026

Japan-China relations remain mired in a stalemate six months after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remark about a Taiwan contingency, with no end in sight to the diplomatic friction with Beijing.

The Japanese government faces a delicate balancing act and has called for dialogue, while resolutely opposing China’s maritime expansion.

Asked about her approach to China by reporters on May 1 ahead of her overseas tour for the Golden Week holidays, Takaichi said: “China is an important neighbor. Japan is always open to dialogue. We want to respond firmly and strategically.”

In stops in Vietnam and Australia, she........

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