{
  "id": 12090389,
  "title": "Japan PM calls China 'important neighbour', pledges stable relationship",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/japan-pm-calls-china-important-neighbour-pledges-stable-relationship",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-05T06:20:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/business/economy/2026/10/1548061/japan-pm-calls-china-important-neighbour-pledges-stable"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi addressed the importance of China as a neighbouring country and her commitment to fostering a stable relationship during a policy speech on Monday. The long-standing relationship between Japan and China has faced challenges since Takaichi suggested in November that Tokyo may act in response to an attack on Taiwan, which Beijing considers its territory. Despite these difficulties, Takaichi emphasized Japan's dedication to maintaining communication on shared issues, promoting dialogue to protect national interests, and cultivating a constructive bond with China. However, she stressed that Japan would also firmly uphold its positions and call for responsible behavior from both nations. Furthermore, Takaichi revealed that her government would develop a comprehensive plan to tackle Japan's population decline, which she described as a quietly advancing national crisis. With her approval ratings remaining high, Takaichi faces a variety of issues, such as increasing inflation, concerns over Japan's mounting debt, and a persistent diplomatic disagreement with China since her November remarks about Taiwan. The policy address came following a statement from China's top diplomat, who indicated that relations with Tokyo were poised to return to normal following a meeting with a former Japanese foreign minister leading a trade delegation in Beijing. China had previously cautioned its citizens against traveling to Japan and had imposed trade restrictions, leading to significant shortages of vital rare earth minerals for Japanese firms. In response to Japan's falling population, Takaichi pledged to craft a comprehensive strategy by the end of the year. The country's population dipped below 120 million for the first time in 42 years, according to government data released in July. Takaichi also vowed to maintain market confidence by adhering to a proactive and responsible fiscal policy, despite her expansive government spending program causing market concerns. The speech marked the start of a parliamentary session that will last through December and cover various bills, including a proposal to lower a consumption tax on food to alleviate inflation's impact on citizens' daily lives. Lastly, Takaichi committed to supporting the International Criminal Court in response to the United States sanctioning her predecessor, Tomoko Akane, with trade barriers in August.",
  "summary": "TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called China an “important neighbour” and pledged to build a stable relationship between the rival nations in a policy address on Monday.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Japan's PM to call China 'important neighbour' in policy address: Report",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/japans-pm-to-call-china-important-neighbour-in-policy-address-report",
        "published": "2026-10-05T04:24:57.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Japan PM calls China 'important neighbor', pledges stable relationship",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/japan-pm-calls-china-important-neighbor-pledges-stable-relationship",
        "published": "2026-10-05T06:17:02.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Mainichi",
        "title": "Japan remains 12th in global innovation ranking, trails South Korea, China",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/japan-remains-12th-in-global-innovation-ranking-trails-south-korea",
        "published": "2026-10-05T06:30:09.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}