Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi faced intense scrutiny during a parliamentary session on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, as opposition lawmakers criticized her ambiguous responses regarding cross-strait relations involving the Taiwan region. The debate centered on whether Taiwan would qualify as a "survival-threatening situation" under Japan's security framework, a topic that has sparked recurring tensions since Takaichi's controversial November 7 remarks about the Chinese mainland.
Constitutional Democratic Party lawmaker Hajime Hirota pressed Takaichi to clarify her stance, demanding retractions of earlier statements that linked potential Chinese mainland actions to Japan's national security. Takaichi repeatedly deferred to vague government positions, stating scenarios would be judged "case-by-case" without elaboration. The session grew chaotic, with opposition members shouting protests and live broadcasts being temporarily muted.
This marks the latest escalation in a weeks-long dispute over Japan's Taiwan policy direction. Analysts note the parliamentary clashes reflect growing regional anxieties about cross-strait stability as Takaichi's administration faces calls to articulate clearer diplomatic boundaries.
