On October 4, a major event occurred in Japanese political circles. Former Japanese cabinet minister Saami Takashi won the Liberal Democratic Party presidential election and became the most powerful candidate for the next Japanese prime minister.

As soon as she won the election, she immediately issued a "message" to China, saying that she should deal with the "outstanding issues" between the two countries in economic security and national defense.

This statement immediately attracted the attention of China.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded quickly, the attitude was also clear, while expressing no comments on Japan's domestic affairs, and drawing down the bottom line that China-Japan relations cannot touch.

Will her ¡°pre-emptive¡± trick make Japanese relations even more tense?

The first fire in office, burning to China

The election of CaoÊÐÔçÃç as president of the self-government party meant that she was only one step away from the throne of the Japanese prime minister, but she had not yet officially taken office, and first spoke to China.

First of all, it is not difficult to see that her operation is to show the image of a "strong new leader". In Japan's current political atmosphere, whoever dares to be tough on China will often get the support of some voters, especially conservative groups.

In the first place, she was famous for her hard, conservative style, and her position towards China was increased during the election.When she campaigned, she said that Japan should have its own bottom line in security and economy.The first time China was mentioned after the election, she wanted to tell the outside world that she said she had done.

On the other hand, her ¡°cry¡± also seems to set a framework in advance for future relations between China and Japan.

On the surface, she is referring to ¡°dialogue¡±, but when you listen carefully, you can see that she emphasizes ¡°problems¡± ¨C meaning that I am ready to talk, but I have to talk according to the questions I set.

There is also a deeper consideration of her judgment of the external environment.The Japanese policy towards China is never decided alone, and there is a shadow of the United States behind it.

Especially now that the United States has changed its president, after Trump's return, the cooperation between the United States and Japan in the Asia-Pacific region will only be closer. She has made her words clear now, and in the final analysis, she is also making a statement to the United States: she will continue to play the role of a "reliable ally" and follow the strategy of the United States.

In this context, her ¡°cry¡± is not just about China, but also about her ¡°standpoint¡± and ¡°attitude¡± at home and abroad.

China's response was calm but unambiguous

Faced with the opening of the new Japanese leader, the response of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs soon came too.On the surface, the tone was peaceful, saying that the Japanese election was "not commented on"; but immediately afterwards, a few core points were thrown, clarifying the bottom line and attitude of the Chinese side.

First of all, China emphasized the four existing political documents between China and Japan, which have always been the foundation of bilateral relations. China's meaning is very clear-no matter who is in charge of Japan, it cannot break through these political consensus.

These documents are not decorations, but institutional agreements on the development of relations between the two countries over the past few decades. Anyone who wants to touch these "roots" is tantamount to challenging the foundation of the entire Sino-Japanese relations.

Second, China's name emphasizes "Taiwan" and "historic issues", which have always been the most sensitive content in China-Japan relations.

Takashi Saami visited the Yasukuni Shrine many times in the past, and his stance on the Taiwan issue was obviously biased towards the United States, and even directly used vague or even misleading statements in some public occasions.

These words and deeds have long aroused dissatisfaction in China. This time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs clearly put forward these two points, which is to warn the new Japanese leaders: there is no room for negotiation on these issues, and the red line is the red line, and there will be counter-measures if they are touched.

Although the Chinese side has not publicly criticized Gao Shi's individuals, it has made it very clear through this "targeted reminder".

More importantly, the Chinese side has not shut the door to death, and still mentions the word "strategic mutuality".This shows that China is still willing to continue to communicate and cooperate with Japan, but on the condition that Japan must express its sincerity, can not speak loudly, but take a different set of actions.

From this perspective, China's response this time was neither fierce nor weak. It was an approach that was firm in principle and flexible in strategy.

Neither does it fall into the language trap set by the other party, nor does it make people feel that China yields on key issues.This approach, both stabilizing the diplomatic situation, has also given a clear signal to the new Japanese government: we respect your choice, but you must not forget the rules and the bottom line between the two countries.

Where the relationship is heading, key attitude.

Although the high-ranking prime minister has just topped the position, from her past words and actions, the future direction of China-Japan relations is probably not too easy. she has repeatedly expressed "warning" about China during the campaign, and her historical view is also quite controversial.

She has participated in the development of artificial intelligence programs, once described Yogyakarta as a "symbol of peace", and also packaged the invasion of China war as a "self-defense counterattack". these contents are not random, but the reflection of her long-term political position.

What is more serious is her stance on the Taiwan issue. She once publicly stated on the platform of an American think tank that Japan will never allow "unilateral changes in the status quo in the Taiwan Strait." This statement may seem neutral, but in fact it is on the side of the United States and internationalizes the Taiwan Strait issue.

This approach is not only completely ignoring the one-China principle, but also interfering in China's internal affairs.The Chinese side has repeatedly stressed that the Taiwan issue is China's core interest and is the "high-pressure line" of China-Japan relations.

Of course, the complex domestic situation in Japan cannot be ignored. Although Takashi is politically tough, Japan's economic circles and diplomatic departments have clear demands for the stability of Sino-Japanese relations.

After all, the economic ties between China and Japan are too deep, and trade, investment and cultural exchanges are inseparable.

If only politically singing high and ignoring the economic reality, then Japan itself will suffer the loss. In an interview with High Market Early Sima, Matsushita said whether to attend the Yamauchi Shrine "should also look at the situation", which indicates that she also knows that things can not be done too much.

The future development of China-Japan relations is likely to fall into a state of ¡°surface tension, practical cooperation¡±.The political atmosphere may appear to be relatively cold, but there is still room for progress in terms of economic and pragmatic cooperation.

The problem is that whether this balance can be maintained depends largely on whether the new Japanese government really wants to improve relations or continues to play two-faced.

Takaichi sanae's appointment is not an easy start for Sino-Japanese relations. Her "first fire" burned to China, which was both political speculation and strategic temptation.

China's response was clear, restrained and measured, setting the tone for the ensuing interaction. The next key is whether the new Japanese government can truly understand China's position and show sincerity in practical actions.

China is an unmovable neighbor, with many historical conflicts and deep real interests.If one emphasizes confrontation, despite the basis of cooperation, not only diplomacy, but also the confidence of the two peoples and future regional stability may be damaged.

If Goldman Sachs really wants to "stand up" on the international stage, the relationship with China is a big stone that cannot be bypassed.

The future relationship between China and Japan is not determined by crying, nor is it determined by who first "lighted the sword" can prevail.The real test is whether it is possible to stabilize the direction in the waves and find consensus in the differences.

If it is a line of confrontation, the relationship will only get harder and harder, and if she can stop the brakes at the critical moment, replace emotions with reason, and replace provocation with dialogue, there may be room for turning around.

Source: Observer Network 2025-10-04 18:20;Official account of the Observer Network ¨C Foreign Ministry responds to the election of High Market Early