Japan's election exposes divide over China after Takaichi's Taiwan remarks

TOKYO - Japanese political leaders on Sunday offered differing views on how to handle relations with China ahead of the Feb. 8 general election, amid controversy over Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks on a potential Taiwan contingency.

On a TV program, Tetsuo Saito -- co-leader of the new main opposition Centrist Reform Alliance -- emphasized the importance of maintaining dialogue with China. China has lambasted Takaichi for voicing a willingness to intervene militarily in the Taiwan issue.