China in Japan’s 2021 Elections

Abstract

In the 2021 election, parties across the political spectrum were overtly critical towards China’s human rights record, foreign policy, policy towards Taiwan, and especially China’s territorial posture in the East China Sea. Analysis of candidate statements and party manifestos produced few voices within the electorate or political candidates who argued for deeper engagement or conciliatory policy towards China. Even economic policy, typically a stabilizing element of the relationship, is increasingly reflecting a more securitized orientation reflected inJapan’s (then) proposed Economic Security Bill and ministerial-level economic security position. The LDP electoral victory may presage a more hawkish China policy and increased defense spending. This prediction must be tempered with the moderating influence of the LDP’s long-time, stable coalition partner Kōmeitō, which alone put forward a more positive vision for the future of Japan-China relations.