On the G20 Stage, Takaichi Presses for Common Ground

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi spoke to reporters on November 23 (Japan Standard Time) after concluding the G20 Summit in South Africa. It was the first time the African continent had hosted the forum. Over the two-day gathering, she held a series of meetings with global leaders, in which she underscored Japan's contributions to disaster prevention, debt sustainability, critical minerals, and artificial intelligence.

Takaichi on the G20 Outcomes

Takaichi reported Japan used the summit to showcase key initiatives it has driven within the G20 framework.

"We emphasized that rather than deepening division and confrontation, it is essential to identify common ground and points of agreement," she told reporters. "All G20 members must share responsibility and work together in concrete ways to address global challenges."

Many leaders expressed support for her position. Under South Africa's presidency, the summit concluded with a joint leaders' declaration. Takaichi pledged that Japan would continue to work closely with the United States, 2026's G20 chair, as well as with other members of the forum.

"Japan will continue contributing actively to the resolution of global issues," she said.

Diplomatic Meetings on the Sidelines

Takaichi also held bilateral talks with the leaders of the United Kingdom, Germany, India, and South Africa.

"We confirmed close cooperation on realizing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific and on economic security," she noted.

The prime minister also reported on a meeting of countries concerned with peace in Ukraine, explaining that "we also discussed the recent US proposal." Moreover, she reaffirmed Japan's intention to coordinate closely with both Ukraine and the US.

Through a series of formal and informal exchanges, including with leaders from South Korea, Egypt, France, and heads of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, Takaichi spoke with roughly 25 national and international figures over the course of the summit.

"It was a very meaningful visit," she said. "Including brief conversations, I was able to speak with many leaders."

The IMF's Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva, also praised Japan for finalizing its comprehensive economic policy package. She told Takaichi that the IMF had examined the details and was reassured that potential fiscal risks were being properly managed.

Critical Minerals and Supply Chain Resilience

In the summit's discussions, Takaichi emphasized the need to lessen global dependence on any single supplier of critical minerals.

"We should build resilient and reliable supply chains," she said, pointing to China's dominance in rare earth production and underscoring the importance of strengthening partnerships with resource-rich African nations.

No Direct Contact with China's Li Qiang

Despite speculation ahead of the meeting, Takaichi and Chinese Premier Li Qiang had no direct interaction during the summit.

"We had made no prior arrangements with China," she explained. "There was no opportunity to speak with Premier Li."

She stressed that Japan's approach to Beijing remains consistent.

"Japan consistently seeks to advance a mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests and to build a constructive and stable relationship," she said.

At the same time, she underscored the need for clarity and openness.

"Japan is open to various forms of dialogue with China. We are not closing the door. It is important that Japan clearly states what must be stated."

Although the two leaders briefly stood together before the group photo, they did not interact. Observers noted an unusual awkwardness between the Japanese and Chinese delegations, even as both leaders exchanged greetings with others around them.

With Beijing escalating its criticism of Takaichi's recent Diet remarks on Taiwan contingencies and existential-threat conditions, Japanese officials indicated that pushing for a meeting would likely have been counterproductive. PM Takaichi herself reiterated that "we did not coordinate with China in advance."

Meetings with Other Leaders

Takaichi also held her first in-person talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. With Starmer, she said the two agreed that "Japan and the UK will work closely together on challenges in East Asia," noting that their discussion also touched on China.

On November 22, she met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for the first time, and the two exchanged a warm greeting.

Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Masanao Ozaki later told reporters that many leaders, with the exception of China, appeared eager to engage with Takaichi. He added that Japan had strengthened numerous relationships "at considerable speed."

RELATED:

• Takaichi Approval Remains High at 75%, Majority Support Taiwan Remarks
• Enhancing the India-Japan Partnership for a Stable Indo-Pacific
  
  
  

(Read the articles in Japanese here and here.)

Author: The Sankei Shimbun