Tokyo, Dec. 22 -- The approval rating of the Cabinet led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has slipped to 67.5 per cent, with a majority of respondents saying her remarks on a Taiwan contingency, which have strained relations with China, could negatively affect Japan's economy, according to a Kyodo News survey.

The survey showed that concerns persist over Takaichi's comments on Taiwan, even as public opinion remains divided on whether her remarks were inappropriate.

While 57.0 per cent of respondents said they did not view her statements as careless, 37.6 per cent said they were, especially when compared with past prime ministers who avoided direct comments on the sensitive Taiwan issue, Kyodo News reported.

Sino-Japanese relations have...