Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated on the 5th regarding relations with South Korea that it is an "important neighbor" and vowed to further strengthen bilateral ties.

In her policy speech during the extraordinary session of the Diet that day, Prime Minister Takaichi stated, "With South Korea, an important neighboring country with which we have deepened communication through shuttle diplomacy, we will further strengthen our relations across a wide range of fields, including security and economy, including through the framework of the ROK-US-Japan partnership."

Regarding relations with China, she said, "It is an important neighboring country," but added, "Amid existing challenges, we have built up relations over a long period. Based on this, we will comprehensively promote a mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests."

She emphasized, "Regarding issues such as the East China Sea and the South China Sea, military activities around Japan, coercive measures, the safety of Japanese nationals, and human rights concerns, we will assert what needs to be asserted regarding our country's (Japan's) position and strongly demand responsible actions."

She added, "At the same time, we will promote communication on common challenges, pursue dialogue to protect our national interests, and build constructive and stable relations."

Regarding North Korea, she stated, "The abduction issue is an ongoing humanitarian issue, and we will make efforts without ruling out any options, including a summit meeting, to resolve it as soon as possible," adding, "Nuclear and missile development is absolutely unacceptable."

Regarding relations with Russia, she emphasized, "The Northern Territories (the Japanese name for the four Kuril Islands effectively controlled by Russia) are historically and under international law the inherent territory of our country," and added, "While the situation regarding Russia, which continues its invasion of Ukraine, is severe, we will carry out the government's policy of resolving the territorial issue and concluding a peace treaty."

Meanwhile, prior to her speech, regarding the incident the previous day in which a U.S. Marine stationed in Okinawa was arrested on charges of robbery and murder against a local woman, Prime Minister Takaichi stated, "It is extremely regrettable that such a heinous incident occurred," and noted, "The Japanese government strongly protests to the U.S. side."

She added, "We strongly demanded that the U.S. side provide full cooperation in the investigation, discipline military personnel, and thoroughly prevent a recurrence."

Regarding the U.S. Donald Trump administration's sanctions against International Criminal Court (ICC) President Tomoko Akane, she stated, "We will maintain and strengthen the international order based on the rule of law."

In her speech that day, Prime Minister Takaichi set a goal to pursue 'responsible active fiscal policy' and 'fiscal consolidation' in tandem as her economic and fiscal stance.

In addition, she explained the details of growth investments in 17 strategic fields and 62 products, and announced plans to establish the 'Japan Growth Strategy Action Plan' within the year to present the direction for domestic investment in Japan over the next five years.

She also mentioned the food consumption tax cut targeted for passage in the extraordinary Diet session, emphasizing, "I want to give households even a little bit of 'leisure'."

Regarding the financial resources related to the consumption tax cut and other measures, she stated, "To maintain market trust, we will secure the funds without issuing deficit-covering government bonds."

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