TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Japan's Parliament elected Liberal Democratic Party leader Sanae Takaichi (高市早苗) as the nation's 104th prime minister Tuesday (Oct. 21). Experts anticipate Takaichi must address Japan's economic expectations while navigating complex international relations under the new leadership.
Kuo Yu-jen (郭育仁), director of National Sun Yat-sen University's (國立中山大學) Institute of China and Asia-Pacific Studies, noted Trump's upcoming Tokyo visit on Oct. 27, could result in Takaichi adjusting her tariff stance. The visit should yield progress in U.S.-Japan investment and defense cost-sharing discussions. Kuo emphasized that Trump may rely more on allies like Japan within the Indo-Pacific strategy if China relations deteriorate.
Ho Szu-shen (何思慎), professor at Fu Jen Catholic University's (輔仁大學) Department of Japanese Language and Culture, highlighted Takaichi's need to adjust previously strong diplomatic positions. Ho remarked that Takaichi's past stance that "a Taiwan in trouble is a Japan in trouble" may not yield breakthroughs, potentially straining Japan-China relations and affecting national interests.
Philip Yang (楊永明), professor at National Taiwan University's Department of Political Science, noted Takaichi must carefully manage Japan-China relations while maintaining firm positions. Yang expressed cautious optimism about future bilateral relations while emphasizing stability's importance. He predicted Japan-China relations would not improve soon, with Takaichi prioritizing U.S. and G-7 alliances, reinforcing Japan's role as a Western ally supporting Trump policies.
