China’s foreign ministry used a routine briefing on Feb. 9 to tell Tokyo that Beijing’s approach to Japan will remain steady despite the ruling coalition’s victory in the lower‑house election and the continued premiership of Sanae Takaichi.
Spokesperson Lin Jian framed the vote as Japan’s domestic affair but said it revealed “deep, structural issues” and currents of thought worth sober reflection. He stressed that Chinese policy toward Japan is characterised by stability and continuity and “will not change because of any single Japanese election.”
Lin used the opportunity to press a series of political demands: that Tokyo take international concerns seriously rather than ignore them, pursue a path of peaceful development rather than repeat the mistakes of militarism, and honour the four political documents that form the political basis of Sino‑Japanese relations. He also urged Prime Minister Takaichi to retract what Beijing called “erroneous remarks” on Taiwan, and warned that extreme right‑wing forces in Japan would face domestic resistance and international pushback if they misjudged the situation.
The spokesperson reiterated a broader, sharper Chinese posture: that the Chinese people’s resolve to protect core national interests, the legacy of World War II’s outcome, and the post‑war international order was “unswerving.” He also responded to a congratulatory remark from U.S. President Donald Trump — who said he expected Takaichi to pursue “peace through strength” — by saying that how Washington and Tokyo manage their bilateral relationship should be conducive to regional peace and stability.
For analysts, the statement serves two purposes. Publicly it reassures markets and foreign capitals that Beijing is not preparing a sudden policy shift in response to a single electoral result. Simultaneously, the language is a reminder that Beijing will be vigilant on issues such as Taiwan, historical memory and Japan’s defence trajectory, and that it expects Tokyo to observe the political foundations of bilateral ties.
The immediate diplomatic test will be whether Tokyo’s policy under Takaichi leans into constitutional revision and a more muscular defence posture, and how provocatively Tokyo addresses Taiwan and security ties with the United States. Beijing’s carefully calibrated admonitions signal it prefers continuity and manageability; they also set clear red lines and telegraph that any perceived right‑wing overreach will be met with public rebuke and, potentially, stronger diplomatic responses.