Japan-US Relations

Baseball or diplomacy? Taiwan premier’s Japan trip draws scrutiny

Amid upcoming visits by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to the US and by US President Donald Trump to China, Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-tai has also made headlines with his trip to Japan for a baseball game. Despite claims of it being a private visit, is there more to it? Lianhe Zaobao associate China news editor Sim Tze Wei looks at what signals Taiwan and Japan are giving.

Sim Tze Wei

12 Mar 2026

Why Chinese hawks cheer Takaichi's win

Takaichi’s landslide win and Japan’s hardline turn are not just Tokyo’s story. In Beijing, it gives hardliners moral cover, reframes tension as destiny and turns miscalculation into a dangerous new logic for East Asia. Commentator Deng Yuwen analyses the situation.

Deng Yuwen

19 Feb 2026

Takaichi’s supermajority: Power without brakes?

Sanae Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party supermajority accelerates decisive policy while triggering three reinforcing cycles: the “Takaichi-isation” of governance, rightward policy drift, and rising strategic risks at home and abroad, says academic Hao Nan.

Hao Nan

19 Feb 2026

How Takaichi’s landslide win will shape Japan’s China and ASEAN ties

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) landslide victory gives Takaichi political stability and a strong mandate, enabling her to press Beijing, mend ties and strengthen engagement with ASEAN while balancing US alliance priorities. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Tan Jet Min reports.

Tan Jet Min

09 Feb 2026

Takaichi’s gamble: Can charisma carry Japan?

Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi has called a surprise election, betting her personal appeal and high approval ratings can rally voters, check the opposition and secure a mandate to steer Japan through uncertainty. Academic Zhang Yun gives his analysis.

Zhang Yun

05 Feb 2026

Takaichi’s gamble: Can an early election secure Japan’s future?

Despite the risks, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has decided to hold a snap general election. Academic Zhang Yun observes that external factors are a major consideration for Takaichi’s risk-taking, in particular Japan’s relations with China.

Zhang Yun

20 Jan 2026

Japanese academic: What Sanae Takaichi meant by ‘a survival-threatening situation’

Did Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi give away Japan’s strategic ambiguity with her comments on a “survival-threatening situation”? Japanese academic Shin Kawashima gives his views.

Shin Kawashima

17 Nov 2025

How Sanae Takaichi mastered the politics of popularity

In her first month, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has gained popularity both at home and abroad, balancing conservative and middle class support. Academic Shin Kawashima explores how her diplomacy, Abe’s legacy, and policy choices drove her approval rating to 80%.

Shin Kawashima

14 Nov 2025

Sanae Takaichi and the future of Japan’s security policy

Sanae Takaichi’s rise as Japan’s first female prime minister marks a historic moment — but not a sharp break. A loyal Abe protégé and firm US ally, Tokyo’s “Iron Lady” is set to preserve Japan’s security course while navigating new regional tensions, says Japanese academic Shin Kawashima.

Shin Kawashima

21 Oct 2025

Japan’s potential first female PM: A new Trump on the rise?

Sanae Takaichi, the newly elected Liberal Democratic Party leader, could be Japan’s first female prime minister. Known for her hawkish stance and strong ties to former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi could have a more confrontational approach, particularly on issues concerning Taiwan, economic security and historical interpretations. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Yu Zeyuan takes a look at the matter.

Yu Zeyuan

06 Oct 2025

Ishiba: The ‘flawed’ leader Japan clings to

Following Shigeru Ishiba’s failure to win a majority in the House of Councillors election in July, his future is in doubt as to how long he can hold on, amid bumps with tariff negotiations with the US, as well as domestic challenges such as handling Japan’s WWII legacy. Academic Toh Lam Seng analyses the situation.

Toh Lam Seng

04 Sep 2025

Sanseito: Japan’s rising party doesn’t trust America — or China

As embattled Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba deals with the latest defeat in Japan’s upper house election, larger questions remain over the inroads made by conservative parties such as the Sanseito. Japanese academic Shin Kawashima looks at where Japan’s foreign policy and security plans are headed.

Shin Kawashima

13 Aug 2025