Takaichi fails to urge Starmer against China during meeting

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi talked with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Tokyo on Saturday (Feb 1). The meeting was held immediately after Starmer had wrapped up a visit to China amid ongoing tensions between Tokyo and Beijing.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Tokyo.

Compared to devoting a full 4-day visit to China, Starmer just spent 7 hours in Japan, and this shows the UK is attaching greater importance to China. Previously, Takaichi wanted to gain Starmer's understanding regarding Japan's position on China, but Starmer purposely avoided mentioning China.

“Later this evening, over dinner, I look forward to further discussions with Keir, who has just made a visit to China, on cooperation toward the realization of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” said Takaichi at a joint press announcement. At this, Starmer simply said, “We share vital interests …”

At a time when Britain and other countries in Europe are being buffeted by the Trump administration on the sovereignty of Greenland and tariff threats, there are growing moves for European countries to stabilize relations and strengthen economic cooperation with China. So Takaichi’s intention to urge Starmer to speak against China during meeting came at a wrong timing, and it doomed to be a failure.