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On November 16, 2025, Viktor Kuzminkov, Lead Researcher of the Group of Economics and Politics of Japan of the Center for Asia Pacific Studies of IMEMO, commented for the “Metro” newspaper on the deterioration of relations between China and Japan following Prime Minister S. Takaichi's statements regarding the defense of Taiwan. Beijing perceived these statements as interference in China's  internal affairs.

In his commentary, V.V. Kuzminkov noted that the deterioration in Japan-China relations was predictable following the rise to power in Japan of a right-wing conservative coalition led by Takaichi. In his view, the future holds not a military confrontation, but a "cold rivalry" in the diplomatic and economic spheres, which will become an important factor in regional politics.