China sent a clear message to Japan’s new leader right after her big win. Sanae Takaichi just led her party to a huge victory in Sunday’s election. Now Beijing wants her to keep things calm in the region and stick to peaceful ways.
Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party grabbed 310 seats out of 465 in Japan’s lower house. That’s a strong majority all on its own—no need for extra partners to pass laws. Some reports say it even hit 316 seats, the biggest win for any single party since World War II. This gives her real power to push big changes, like boosting defense or even talking about updating Japan’s pacifist rules.
The election happened fast as a snap vote. Takaichi called it just months after taking office as Japan’s first female prime minister. Voters backed her hard line on security, economy, and standing firm against outside pressures. Many see her as a tough conservative who speaks openly about threats, especially from China over Taiwan.
China’s foreign ministry spoke up quick on Monday. Spokesperson Lin Jian said Japan should follow a pacifist path. He warned that right-wing moves could bring trouble at home and from other countries. “Forgetting history means betrayal,” he said, pointing to old memories of Japan’s past actions. He asked Takaichi to drop what China calls wrong talk about Taiwan and stick to old agreements between the two nations.
China worries that Takaichi’s strong majority could lead to more military buildup or changes to Japan’s constitution. That document says Japan won’t use force to solve fights and keeps its military for defense only. Takaichi has hinted before that Japan might step in if something happens with Taiwan, which sits close to Japanese islands. China sees Taiwan as its own and doesn’t like any talk of outside help.
Beijing says its policy toward Japan stays the same no matter who wins elections. They want trust and peace, not fights. Lin Jian pushed for actions that build good ties, not ones that go against history or stir up problems in East Asia.
This comes after tense months. Last year, Takaichi’s comments on Taiwan led to China cutting flights, blocking some Japanese goods, and sending more ships around disputed areas. Some say that pressure actually helped Takaichi at home—people rallied behind her tough stand.
Now with this landslide, Takaichi has room to move forward. She can lead without worrying much about votes for a while. Markets liked the win too—Japanese stocks hit highs as people bet on her plans for growth and security.
For the region, it’s a big moment. Japan and China are neighbors and big trade partners, but ties often get rocky over history, islands, and Taiwan. China’s call for peace shows they want to keep things steady, even as they watch Takaichi closely.
Everyone’s eyes are on what happens next. Will Takaichi ease up or push harder on defense? Will talks between the two sides improve? For now, China made its point clear: choose peace to avoid trouble. The ball is in Japan’s court after this strong election result. It’s a story that could shape Asia for years.