🌏 On Tuesday, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun reacted to the historic election of Sanae Takaichi as Japan's first female prime minister. "We've noted the results, which are Japan's internal affair," Guo said at a Beijing press briefing, underlining that as neighbors, China's position on bilateral ties is "consistent and clear."
Here's the lowdown on what Beijing is asking for 🤝:
- Team up in the same direction: work toward mutual goals.
- Stick to the four political documents signed between the two sides.
- Honor political commitments on major questions like history and Taiwan.
- Maintain a solid political foundation for an all-round, benefit-driven relationship.
Meanwhile, in Tokyo, leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, Sanae Takaichi, secured her spot as the new head of government after winning votes in both houses of parliament, making history as Japan's first woman PM 🏛️🎉.
Why it matters to you:
- Women in leadership: a fresh face in a long-standing tradition, inspiring young professionals and everyone cheering for gender equality 💪.
- Regional vibes: stable China-Japan ties can mean smoother trade in gadgets, easier travel for that Japan-Korea-Bali trip, and more cross-border collabs on tech and pop culture 🚀.
- Keeping history straight: commitments on sensitive issues like history and Taiwan help prevent misunderstandings and build trust over time.
What's next?
All eyes are on how Takaichi will balance domestic priorities with Beijing's call for steady relations. Will she keep up the diplomatic dance and hit pause on tensions? Stay tuned for more updates – breaking down the news in a way that's quick, clear, and ready for your next coffee break ☕️📱.
Reference(s):
Beijing urges steady China-Japan relations after Takaichi elected PM
cgtn.com