Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi Steps Back from Liancourt Rocks Pledge in Softening Stance on South Korea

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi Steps Back from Liancourt Rocks Pledge

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has decided not to send a cabinet minister to the annual ceremony commemorating the Liancourt Rocks, also known as Takeshima in Japan and Dokdo in South Korea. This decision marks a shift in her approach towards South Korea, indicating a more pragmatic stance on diplomatic relations amid regional tensions.

Analysts suggest that Takaichi’s move reflects an effort to prioritize the stability of Japan-South Korea ties, despite potential dissatisfaction among some conservative supporters. The Liancourt Rocks have been under South Korean control since Japan's defeat in 1945. Last year, Shimane Governor Tatsuya Maruyama called for more proactive diplomatic measures to resolve the territorial dispute in Japan’s favor.

However, Takaichi’s decision not to dispatch a senior minister to this year’s event signals a shift towards a softer approach on the issue. This move is seen as an attempt to balance domestic and international expectations while navigating complex regional relationships.