Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Japan’s Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday for “making history” after she became the country’s first woman prime minister.
“As Japan’s first female PM, you’re making history. I look forward to working closely together to take the unique-EU Japan partnership to the next level. For our joint competitiveness. For our joint security,”
von der Leyen said on X.
Warm congratulations, @takaichi_sanae, on your election as Japan’s Prime Minister.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) October 21, 2025
As Japan’s first female PM, you’re making history.
I look forward to working closely together to take the unique-EU Japan partnership to the next level.
For our joint competitiveness.
For our…
How did Sanae Takaichi secure her historic victory?
Japan’s parliament has elected ultraconservative Sanae Takaichi as the nation’s first female prime minister. A protege of assassinated former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi received 237 votes in the 465-seat lower house of parliament on Tuesday to confirm her in the role.
The victory comes after a last-minute coalition agreement between her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the right-wing Japan Innovation Party (JIP), also called Ishin, on Monday. Nevertheless, her government remains two seats short of a majority, hinting at potential instability.
How has China responded to Japan’s new prime minister?
China said Tuesday it hopes to
“advance” ties with Tokyo, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said that China had “noted the election result”, describing it as “Japan’s internal affair”.
He urged Tokyo to
“honour its political commitments on key issues such as history and Taiwan,”
in response to a question during a daily press conference.
Meanwhile, Takaichi, known as a China hawk, described Taiwan as an
“extremely important partner and cherished friend”
during her visit to the island earlier this year.
How did Donald Trump respond to Takaichi’s leadership victory?
Earlier this month, Trump also congratulated Takaichi on her victory in the LDP leadership race, describing her win as “tremendous news.”
He described her as a “highly respected person of great wisdom and strength” and commended her as Japan’s first female Prime Minister, although she had not yet been officially confirmed in the role.
Takaichi has thus far positioned herself as a dependable partner to the US, stating earlier this month her intention to honour an investment deal with Trump. This comes despite previous indications, suggesting she aims to preserve stability in bilateral relations.
