The souring of Japan-China relations following remarks on Taiwan by Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae was one focus of a Diet debate on Wednesday. Opposition leaders pressed Takaichi on this as well as her domestic economic challenges.
Takaichi stepped up for her first Diet debate with party leaders since taking office. Noda Yoshihiko, leader of the largest opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, mentioned the clouds over Japan's relationship with China.
Beijing has ramped up the pressure on Tokyo after Takaichi's comments on Taiwan on November 7. She told the Diet that a possible "Taiwan emergency" involving the use of force could be a situation threatening Japan's survival.
Noda said he didn't believe her comment was planned in advance within the government and the Liberal Democratic Party, suggesting she took it upon herself to make the comment.
"What kind of responsibility do you feel?" he asked her.
Takaichi said that regarding dialogue with China, "things remain constructive and open." She said she plans to build better, more comprehensive bilateral relations through dialogue while working to secure the maximum national interest for Japan. She said she considers that to be her responsibility.
Takaichi also said the government's position is that it will determine its responses based on the specific circumstances of individual cases as they occur.
She stressed she has already said this many times -- "no more, no less."
Turning to the economy, Noda asked the prime minister about her new economic measures worth 21.3 trillion yen, or roughly 136 billion dollars.
Pointing out that her Cabinet has approved an extremely large economic policy package, he noted that interest rates have been rising -- especially since the start of her administration -- and said this raises concerns about what he called her "lax" fiscal policies.
Takaichi said it is wrong to describe her administration's economic measures as "lax." She said she considers sustainability the most important pillar of government finances, adding that there cannot be fiscal health without economic growth.

Quiz 1:
In the article, who is Noda Yoshihiko?
A. Prime Minister of Japan
B. Leader of the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan
C. Advisor to the Chinese government
D. Member of the Liberal Democratic Party

Quiz 2:
What did Takaichi Sanae comment on that has caused tension with China?
A. Comments about Korea
B. Comments about Russia
C. Comments about Taiwan
D. Comments about North Korea

Quiz 3:
How does Takaichi Sanae plan to handle the relations with China, according to the article?
A. By ignoring dialogue and increasing pressure
B. By ending all bilateral relations
C. By building better, more comprehensive bilateral relations through dialogue while working to secure the maximum national interest for Japan
D. By launching a military invasion of China