The Morning Edition Japan’s new PM is the 'Trump whisperer'. Will she compel Albanese to follow suit?
Feb 11, 2026
Peter Hartcher, international and political editor known for geopolitical analysis, unpacks Japan’s new leader and her massive electoral win. He explores how her supermajority could reshape Japan’s constitution and military posture. He discusses her China and Taiwan stance, her rapport with Donald Trump, and the pressure this places on Australia’s alignment with the United States.
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Landslide Gives Broad Legislative Power
- Sanae Takaichi's landslide gives her freedom to push major policy changes domestically and internationally.
- Her supermajority lets her bypass opposition and potentially launch constitutional revision efforts.
Incremental Militarisation Versus Constitutional Change
- Japan has incrementally expanded military capability and relaxed use-of-force laws without formally changing the pacifist constitution.
- Takaichi can choose either incrementalism or to start the formal, risky constitutional revision process.
Taiwan Comments Sparked A Direct Rupture With China
- Takaichi framed any Chinese move on Taiwan as an existential threat to Japan and invoked laws enabling collective self-defence.
- Beijing responded with sanctions and trade measures, and Takaichi refused to back down.