China’s pressure campaign against Japan’s prime minister appears to have backfired, helping fuel a historic election victory for Sanae Takaichi and her conservative Liberal Democratic Party, analysts say.
Beijing sharply criticized Takaichi after she warned that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could threaten Japan’s survival and require military action.
China looms behind Takaichi's historic win in Japan election https://t.co/IlnWVMSmT3
— Nikkei Asia (@NikkeiAsia) February 9, 2026
China responded with economic and diplomatic pressure, including discouraging travel to Japan. Experts argue those moves strengthened domestic support for Takaichi by reinforcing voter concerns about national security.
The LDP secured more than two-thirds of seats in the lower house, clearing the threshold needed to pursue constitutional amendments. Parties favoring closer ties with China suffered heavy losses, while more hawkish groups gained ground.
I am sincerely grateful to President Donald J. Trump for his warm words.
— 高市早苗 (@takaichi_sanae) February 9, 2026
I look forward to visiting the White House this spring and to continuing our work together to further strengthen the Japan–U.S. Alliance.
Our Alliance and friendship with the United States of America are… pic.twitter.com/W0pZSvohvx
China’s foreign ministry downplayed the result, calling it Japan’s internal matter and repeating demands that Takaichi retract her Taiwan remarks. Analysts warn relations between Tokyo and Beijing are likely to face further strain.
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TIPP Staff
