New Party Leader Poised to Steer Japan on More Assertive Course With China

While a tougher line on Beijing and support for Taiwan are expected, experts believe Takaichi’s agenda will be constrained by economic factors.

Sanae Takaichi, the newly elected leader of Japan's ruling party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), poses in the party leader's office after the LDP leadership election in Tokyo on Oct. 4, 2025. Yuichi Yamazaki /POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Japan’s likely leader-in-waiting Sanae Takaichi is expected to strengthen defense ties with Washington and support for Taipei in a bid to counter Chinese aggression, but experts suggest this hawkish approach must be balanced against the nation’s indispensable economic ties with Beijing.

“Together with so many of you, we have carved a new era for the LDP (Liberal Democratic Party),” Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s former economic security minister, said shortly after defeating her opponent in the party leadership election on Oct. 4.