Public support for Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration fell to 49.1 percent, the lowest level since she took office in October last year and the first time the figure has dropped below 50 percent, according to a poll released by Kyodo News on Sunday.
The nationwide telephone survey was conducted on Saturday and Sunday, with the cabinet's approval rating falling 4.3 percentage points from the previous month.
The disapproval rating rose to 33 percent from 30.9 percent, the poll showed.
The decline in public support comes amid mounting controversy over scandals involving cabinet members, including former agriculture minister Kazuo Yana, who was dismissed following criticism over inappropriate remarks and alleged violations of the Public Offices Election Act.
In the latest poll, 57.7 percent of respondents said Takaichi had waited too long to dismiss Yana, while 54.7 percent said his resignation would negatively affect the cabinet's performance.
On economic policy, 65.1 percent of respondents expressed concern that the administration's proposed reduction of the consumption tax on food and beverages from eight percent to one percent for two years starting in April could adversely affect the country's public finances.
Separately, Japan's education minister Yoshihiro Seki recently apologized over improperly organized political fundraising events, adding to the controversies surrounding cabinet members.
Recent opinion polls conducted by several media organizations have also indicated a marked decline in support for the Takaichi cabinet.
Support for Japan's Takaichi cabinet falls below 50 pct to record low: poll
Support for Japan's Takaichi cabinet falls below 50 pct to record low: poll
China firmly opposes the illicit use of drones for non-peaceful purposes and strongly supports Chinese companies in conducting lawful international civil drone trade and cooperation, a Ministry of Commerce spokesperson said Monday when asked about the country's latest drone export control measures.
In accordance with the Export Control Law of the People's Republic of China and other relevant laws and regulations, the Ministry of Commerce, in coordination with other relevant departments, issued an announcement on Oct. 19 regarding the optimization and adjustment of export control measures for certain drone-related items.
The measures will take effect on Nov. 18, and China has already notified countries and regions with which it has established export control dialogue mechanisms, according to the spokesperson.
The affected items possess obvious dual-use characteristics, and China's lawful adjustments aim to safeguard national security and interests and fulfill non-proliferation and other international obligations, said the spokesperson. At the same time, China is committed to maintaining security and stability of global industrial and supply chains, and will review export license applications in accordance with the law and approve those that meet relevant requirements, the spokesperson said.
Dynamic adjustment of export control measures is an international common practice, said the spokesperson, adding that in recent years, rapid global development in drone technology has turned some previously advanced products into common consumer goods, and China optimized its measures to reflect the latest industrial and technological landscape based on industry feedback and careful evaluation.
This optimization and adjustment of export control measures for drones is based on the latest industry and technological developments reported by the industry, and fully demonstrates China's firm opposition to the misuse of drones for non-peaceful purposes and its strong support for Chinese enterprises engaged in lawful international civil drone trade and cooperation, according to the spokesperson.
China stands ready to communicate with relevant parties through bilateral export control dialogue mechanisms, listen to opinions and suggestions, further fulfill international obligations such as non-proliferation, and actively promote and facilitate compliant trade, the spokesperson noted.
China firmly opposes illicit use of drones for non-peaceful purposes: commerce ministry
