Feb 10 • 09:51 UTC 🇰🇷 Korea Hankyoreh (KR)

LDP’s election win raises stakes in already fraught Japan-China ties

The Liberal Democratic Party's recent election victory in Japan raises concerns about escalating tensions with China due to militaristic policies proposed by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) of Japan won a significant electoral victory, raising alarms regarding Japan's future relations with China. The election victory is interpreted as a boost for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's plans to enhance Japan's military capabilities and fortify security measures, moves that China perceives as a revival of militaristic attitudes reminiscent of pre-World War II. This development has the potential to exacerbate existing tensions between the two neighboring countries.

In reaction to the election results, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian expressed apprehensions about Japan's shift towards extreme right-wing ideologies, painting a picture of a growing threat to peace in the region. Although the spokesperson refrained from labeling the election as a direct concern of China by calling it Japan’s internal matter, he did emphasize the importance of Japan adhering to a path of peaceful development. Lin's remarks highlight China's ongoing sensitivity to any perceived resurgence of militaristic policies by Japan, given the historical context of their tumultuous relations.

The implications of this electoral outcome are significant, as the rise of right-wing politics in Japan could lead to increasingly aggressive postures in foreign policy and military strategy, leading to strain not only with China but potentially with other neighboring countries as well. If the Japanese leadership under Takaichi pursues these militaristic policies, it may spark unrest domestically among the Japanese populace who are wary of repeating the mistakes of the past, and escalate tensions regionally, raising alarm in Beijing about Japan's intentions.

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