By Zhong Yin, People’s Daily
Recently, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi recently made erroneous remarks about China’s Taiwan during a hearing in the Diet, implying the possibility of Japan’s armed intervention in the Taiwan Strait. Despite China’s serious démarches and protests, the Japanese side refused to retract the remarks. Recklessly crossing red lines and persisting on this dangerous course, Takaichi is bound to face consequences.
Her remarks represent a serious provocation to China’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Documents such as the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation, and UNGA Resolution 2758 all affirm China’s sovereignty over Taiwan. The principle of sovereignty is the cornerstone of the UN Charter; no country or individual is entitled to apply double standards in this regard.
Takaichi’s statements marked the first time since Japan’s 1945 defeat that a Japanese leader had, in a formal setting, promoted the notion that “a Taiwan contingency is a Japan contingency” and linked it to the exercise of collective self-defense; the first time Japan had openly hinted at armed involvement in the Taiwan question; and the first time it had issued an implied military threat against China. Such actions must be met with firm resolve and deterrence.
Her remarks constitute a serious interference in China’s domestic affairs. The Taiwan question lies at the very heart of China’s core interests and is purely China’s internal affair. The resolution of the Taiwan question and the realization of national reunification are China’s internal matters that brook no external interference.
Takaichi’s remarks sent a dangerous signal to “Taiwan independence” forces, blatantly violating the one-China principle, the guiding principles of the four China-Japan political documents, and basic norms of international relations. Any support for “Taiwan independence” constitutes interference in China’s internal affairs and fosters separatism, directly threatening peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Such provocations win no support and are doomed to fail.
Her remarks deeply hurt the feelings of the Chinese people, the anti-fascist allies, and people around the world. This year marks the 80th anniversary of China’s victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s restoration to China.
From the Nanjing Massacre to the Manila Massacre, Japan’s war of aggression inflicted immense suffering and left enduring scars across Asia. Japan imposed 50 years of colonial rule on Taiwan, committing grave atrocities, which are backed by indisputable historical evidence. Over 650,000 Taiwanese compatriots lost their lives resisting colonial oppression.
As Japan’s prime minister, Takaichi should have set an example by acknowledging and reflecting on this painful history. Instead, her provocative statements distort historical truth, offend the 1.4 billion Chinese people, and disregard the sentiments of countries throughout Asia and the broader international community committed to peace and historical justice.
Her remarks represent a dangerous regression that risks emboldening militarism. By linking the so-called “Taiwan contingency” with the right to collective self-defense, Takaichi attempts to justify Japan’s military expansion. Since taking office, she has pushed for increased military capabilities and even suggested revising Japan’s long-standing Three Non-Nuclear Principles.
History offers stark warnings. From the September 18 Incident to the attack on Pearl Harbor, Japan repeatedly fabricated so-called “survival-threatening situations” as pretexts for wars of aggression, causing enormous suffering worldwide and bringing devastation upon Japan itself. These lessons must never be forgotten. The resurgence of militarism would once again steer Japan down a perilous and destructive path.
Her remarks seriously misguide the Japanese people. By fabricating the “survival-threatening situation” and stoking public anxiety, Takaichi attempts to manipulate public opinion and distort national discourse. In response, domestic criticism has intensified, with citizens gathering outside the Prime Minister’s Office to express strong dissatisfaction, which signals a clear rejection of her irresponsible provocations. Takaichi would do well to heed these rational voices and refrain from further escalating tensions.
Her remarks pose a grave threat to the post-war international order and international law. As a defeated nation in World War II, Japan is explicitly bound by the UN Charter and its own Pacifist Constitution. Efforts by Takaichi and other right-wing forces to revise or undermine the Pacifist Constitution’s commitment to exclusive self-defense are aimed at enabling military expansion. This constitutes a systemic challenge to the post-war international order and international law and will face firm and resolute opposition.
Her remarks run counter to the basic norms governing international relations. Not long ago, Takaichi claimed Japan would uphold the position outlined in the 1972 Sino-Japanese Joint Statement regarding the Taiwan question. However, she quickly reversed course, issuing extreme and provocative remarks. Such inconsistency and unreliability in foreign policy not only undermine diplomatic credibility but also violate the basic norms governing international relations. This approach risks eroding Japan’s standing on the global stage and pushing the country toward deeper diplomatic isolation.
Her remarks seriously threaten regional peace and stability. The dangerous notion that “a Taiwan contingency is a Japan contingency” turns Japan into a destabilizing factor for regional and global peace. Takaichi’s erroneous remarks have already drawn broad international concern and criticism. A spokesperson for Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described her comments as “highly dangerous,” urging Japan to reflect on history and learn from the lessons of World War II. Phinij Jarusombat, Thailand’s former deputy prime minister, warned that Takaichi’s remarks threaten peace in Asia and present a significant challenge to world peace.
Moreover, her remarks trample on human conscience and justice. From repeated visits to the Yasukuni Shrine to denying the Nanjing Massacre and exaggerating the so-called “China threat,” Takaichi has sought to whitewash history and obscure established facts. Since the end of World War II, Japan has never truly reckoned on its atrocities, and right-wing forces continue to distort history and erode moral accountability. Forgetting history is a betrayal and risks repeating past mistakes. The more Japan indulges right-wing forces, the further it distances itself from peace, prosperity, and a better future.
Takaichi will face consequences for dangerous provocations on the Taiwan question
