Ben Bland
Last weekend’s landslide election victory by Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s prime minister, prompted China to warn Tokyo to ‘follow the path of peaceful development rather than return to militarism’. Beijing is wary of Takaichi’s right-wing, nationalist credentials, and had already launched a round of military provocations and coercive economic measures in response to comments she made about Taiwan in November.
But many Asian governments will welcome Takaichi’s victory – if she can use her unprecedented parliamentary majority to strengthen Japan’s economy, security and global role. Asia’s leaders do not want to see their region dominated by Beijing or at the mercy of Washington’s will. They see a resurgent Japan as a key partner to bring balance to the world’s most consequential continent.
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