China Urges Japan to Uphold Peaceful Policy Following Legislative Elections

Beijing Issues Statement After Japanese Election Results

Beijing, February 9, 2026 – China has called on Japanese authorities to pursue a peaceful foreign policy and honor bilateral commitments, following the ruling coalition's significant victory in Japan's parliamentary elections held on Sunday, February 8, 2026. The remarks were made by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian during a regular news briefing.

Japanese Ruling Coalition Secures Supermajority

The parliamentary election saw Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party (JIP), secure a substantial majority in the House of Representatives. The LDP alone won 316 seats, comfortably surpassing the 261 seats required for an absolute majority in the 465-member lower house. Together, the ruling bloc garnered 352 seats. This outcome is widely interpreted as an endorsement of Prime Minister Takaichi's agenda, which includes strengthening Japan's economy and military capabilities. Concerns have been raised in Beijing regarding a potential 'rightward shift' in Japanese politics and an acceleration of its military posture.

China's Call for Peaceful Development and Bilateral Adherence

In his statement, spokesperson Lin Jian urged Japan to 'adhere to peaceful development instead of repeating the mistakes of militarism.' He also called on the Japanese side to 'stick to the four political documents between China and Japan, rather than acting in bad faith.' These foundational documents, which underpin the political relationship between the two nations, include:

• The 1972 Joint Communique
• The 1978 Treaty of Peace and Friendship
• The 1998 Joint Declaration
• The 2008 Joint Statement

Lin Jian warned that 'if Japan's far-right forces misjudge the situation and act recklessly, they will inevitably face resistance from the Japanese people and a resolute response from the international community.'

Demand for Retraction of Taiwan Remarks

A specific point of contention highlighted by China was Prime Minister Takaichi's previous remarks concerning the Taiwan Strait. Beijing reiterated its demand for Japan to 'retract the erroneous remarks made by Takaichi regarding Taiwan' and to 'demonstrate basic faith in upholding the political foundation of bilateral relations.' Takaichi's comments in November suggested that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could be classified as an 'existential crisis' for Japan, potentially allowing for the exercise of collective self-defense. China also stressed the importance of Japan reflecting on its history of aggression and being prudent on historical issues such as the Yasukuni Shrine.

Consistent Policy from Beijing

Despite the recent election results in Japan, China affirmed that its policy toward Japan remains 'stable and consistent, and will not change because of a single election in Japan.' Beijing emphasized its unwavering determination to safeguard its core interests and uphold the post-World War II international order.