Japanese Premier Takaichi seeks direct talks with China’s Xi amid fallout over Taiwan

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) – Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Monday expressed her willingness to hold direct talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping amid ongoing bilateral tensions over Taiwan.

"I'm positive" about meeting with Xi, Takaichi said in a debate among Japanese political party leaders, according to Jiji Press.

"I will consider the possibility of direct dialogue (with Xi), so that Japan's position will be properly understood."

China-Japan relations have deteriorated since November, when Takaichi said a Chinese attack on Taiwan could legally constitute a “survival-threatening situation,” potentially allowing Japan to exercise the right of collective self-defense.

The remarks prompted strong backlash from Beijing, which advised Chinese citizens against travel to Japan and reinstated a ban on Japanese seafood imports, among other measures.

On a possible review of Japan's three non-nuclear principles, Takaichi said she will work to "develop a system to protect our citizens, territorial land, waters, and airspace at any time."

Before taking office last year, Takaichi had questioned one of the three principles, which calls on Japan not to allow nuclear weapons to be brought into the country.

During the debate, Takaichi also said that she will resign immediately if the ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party fails to win a majority in the House of Representatives election.

Her remarks came a day before the 12-day official campaign period for the Feb. 8 general election begins on Tuesday.