Overview
- Japan’s prime minister logged conversations with 18 leaders on day one in Johannesburg, including her first face-to-face with Britain’s Keir Starmer that covered security cooperation and China-related issues.
- She held talks Sunday with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to Japanese officials.
- A warmly received greeting with Italy’s Giorgia Meloni went viral in Japan, and Takaichi later posted photos and a brief update on X.
- Beijing said no meeting with Premier Li Qiang was planned following Takaichi’s comments on Taiwan, while Tokyo said a conversation could not be ruled out.
- Summit photos showed Takaichi and Li standing a few places apart without engaging, underscoring the current diplomatic distance.