Heavyweights clash as election of hawkish PM Sanae Takaichi and US policy unpredictability change calculus in region

Takaichi’s remarks stirred a firestorm, but her later clarifications highlight the limits on Japan’s involvement in a Taiwan crisis.

Today, Takaichi said her comment was referring to the “worst-case scenario” for Taiwan. As it echoed the views of the Japanese government, Takaichi said she would not retract the statement. However, she did vow to exercise greater caution when commenting on a “Taiwan contingency” in the future.