Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent remarks on the Taiwan region have sparked diplomatic tensions with the Chinese mainland, yet opinion polls show her cabinet's approval rating remains resilient. Analysts suggest structural factors, rather than public endorsement of her stance on cross-strait issues, are driving this stability.
Data from major Japanese media outlets, including the Yomiuri Shimbun and Kyodo News, indicate the Takaichi Cabinet maintains approval ratings near 70% despite Beijing's firm response to what it calls "erroneous" statements about Taiwan. Experts emphasize that domestic economic policies and security concerns unrelated to cross-strait relations likely contribute to this support.
Xu Weijun, an assistant research professor at South China University of Technology, notes: "Cabinet approval ratings in Japan often reflect complex socioeconomic realities rather than single foreign policy issues. The current stability suggests public focus remains on post-pandemic recovery and regional security challenges."
While cross-strait tensions continue to shape diplomatic exchanges, observers highlight that Japan's political landscape in 2025 remains dominated by debates over energy security and technological competition. The Chinese Foreign Ministry reiterated its commitment to peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue, while maintaining opposition to any actions perceived as challenging the one-China principle.
