China Tried Pressure – Takaichi Crushes Rivals in Japan Election
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae has secured the largest supermajority in her country’s post-war history, emerging stronger after months of intense pressure from Beijing. Framing her victory as a mandate to strengthen Japan, Takaichi has pledged constitutional reform, a faster defense buildup and a more assertive security posture amid rising regional tensions. Her win has already reshaped Japan’s domestic political landscape and signals a new chapter in the US–Japan alliance, while raising questions about how China will respond after its campaign against her appeared to backfire. In this episode, we examine the implications of Japan’s historic election result, prospects for constitutional change and evolving defense strategy as well as what Takaichi’s strengthened mandate could mean for China, the Indo-Pacific and Taiwan’s security. *Recorded on February 2, 2026 at 3pm Taiwan Standard Time Host/Senior Producer: Yin Khvat Our guests: Kawai Daisuke - University of Tokyo RCAST Economic Security and Policy Innovation Program Director and Project Assistant Professor Robert Eldridge - Global Risk Mitigation Foundation North Asia Director Lai I-chung - Prospect Foundation President Chapters: 00:00:00 – Takaichi Wins Biggest Post-War Mandate 00:02:34 – Japan PM’s Historic Victory amid China Row 00:08:07 – Takaichi Vows to Strengthen Japan’s Security
