Key Facts
• December 2, 2025: EU Vice President Ville Itälä interviewed by Japanese media in Brussels.
• Japan-China relations strained over Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Taiwan-related parliamentary remarks.
• Itälä emphasized the need to de-escalate tensions between Japan and China.
• Highlighted global uncertainty due to U.S. protectionism and China’s rare earth export restrictions.
• EU aims to enhance competitiveness in AI, semiconductors, quantum technology, and cybersecurity.
• Stressed the importance of reducing reliance on specific nations or companies for advanced technologies.
• Described Japan as a key partner in promoting international order and democratic values.
• Advocated for closer collaboration with like-minded partners to strengthen supply chains and foster innovation.
Summary
EU Vice President Ville Itälä, speaking in Brussels on December 2, 2025, called for easing tensions between Japan and China, which have escalated following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on Taiwan. Itälä highlighted the global uncertainty caused by U.S. protectionism and China’s rare earth export policies, emphasizing the EU’s focus on boosting competitiveness in advanced technologies like AI and semiconductors. He underscored the need for technological independence and described Japan as a vital partner in upholding international order and democratic values. Itälä advocated for strengthening supply chains and fostering innovation through collaboration with like-minded nations.
