KUALA LUMPUR - Japan is open to dialogue with China at all levels, including between leaders, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said at a press conference in Tokyo, last Wednesday.

She said that Japan would patiently explain our stance at various levels to the international community, including China, as the comment had caused tension.

Amid the worsened Japan-China relations, the prime minister outlined plans to urgently strengthen supply chains, including for rare-earth elements.

Experts note that ensuring supply-chain resilience is not only about securing raw materials but also addressing labor and workforce needs.

Japan’s shrinking population and reliance on foreign workers mean that migrant labor plays an increasing role in manufacturing, logistics, and other critical sectors that underpin these supply chains.

Regarding her earlier remark in the Diet about a survival-threatening situation linked to a Taiwan contingency, she said it was not intended to change Japan's longstanding stance.

She also denied that elections would be held this year, saying she has been too busy with mountains of tasks to even think about it.

Takaichi said she wanted to hold talks with the US President Donald Trump as soon as possible.

The ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party introduced a bill to reduce the number of lower house seats, but no deliberations were held before the Diet session ended.

“We will seek understanding from opposition parties in the ordinary Diet [next year] session and aim for its passage,” Takaichi said.

She added that the government was able to offer some kind of direction to realize a strong economy and strong foreign and security policies by passing a fiscal 2025 supplementary budget.

The prime minister also announced plans for the initial fiscal 2026 budget bill to be approved by the Cabinet on December 26.