Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi Faces Falling Backing for Hardline China Policy

Sanae Takaichi secured a decisive victory for the Liberal Democratic Party in a February 2026 snap election, which many interpreted as endorsement of her assertive approach to China and support for Taiwan's de facto independence. Since taking office, she has increased defence spending, ended the post-World War II ban on lethal arms exports and moved to create a stand-alone intelligence agency to reduce reliance on U.S. intel.

These moves have drawn criticism from cautious LDP members and prompted foreign-minister Toshimitsu Motegi to soften her Taiwan statements. Polls published by Asahi and Mainichi show her approval dropping to the low-40s, the first time it has fallen below the halfway mark. Japanese business leaders are also uneasy about the strain on trade with Beijing, while recent Coast Guard clashes near the Senkaku Islands have heightened tensions. Although the United States has generally backed Tokyo's security push, occasional diplomatic missteps suggest Takaichi's hardline course may lack a durable domestic and allied foundation.