By Berk Kutay Gokmen
ISTANBUL (AA) – China on Saturday urged Japan to honor its political commitments on major issues such as history and the Taiwan question, Global Times reported.
Remarks from the Chinese Foreign Ministry came after Japan's former Internal Affairs Minister Sanae Takaichi on Saturday won the presidential election of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), becoming the first female LDP leader.
Regarding Takaichi becoming the new LDP leader, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said: "We have noted the election result, which is Japan's internal affairs."
The spokesperson said Beijing hopes the Japanese side will honor its political commitments on major issues such as history and the Taiwan question, follow a positive and rational policy toward China, and advance the strategic relationship of mutual benefit.
The vote, originally scheduled for 2027, was moved forward after Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced his resignation on Sept. 7, after the coalition’s defeat in July’s upper house elections.
The new president of the party is highly likely to become Japan's next prime minister, although the LDP-led coalition does not hold a majority in parliament.
If Takaichi becomes Japan’s next prime minister, she will be the first woman to hold the office and lead the ruling LDP.