At a regular press briefing on Monday, December 1, 2025, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian openly challenged Japan to face its historical and political obligations regarding the Taiwan question. His strong words came after comments by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi late last month.
Prime Minister Takaichi had stated that, under the "Treaty of San Francisco," Japan had "renounced all rights and claims" and was thus "not in a position to recognize Taiwan region's legal status." On November 28, Minister Motegi reiterated that Japan's stance "is as stated in the 1972 Sino-Japanese Joint Statement, and nothing more and nothing less."
Lin Jian accused the Japanese side of "hiding and fudging its position." He pointed out that Tokyo never mentions the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation, or the Japanese Instrument of Surrender—all documents that affirm that Taiwan region should be restored to China. He also noted Tokyo's silence on the four political documents forming the foundation of China-Japan ties and on its commitment to the one-China principle. 🤔
Notably, December 1 marked the 82nd anniversary of the Cairo Declaration. Lin emphasized that this declaration and other international legal instruments are vital outcomes of the World Anti-Fascist War and confirm China's sovereignty over Taiwan region.
"Japan must follow these binding documents," Lin said, stressing that doing so was a prerequisite for Japan's postwar readmission to the international community. He criticized Tokyo for selectively citing a treaty that excluded China and other Asian nations most affected by Japanese aggression, calling it "a blatant challenge to the authority of the United Nations and the postwar order."
Lin also warned about Japan's recent policy shifts—boosting its defense budget, revising its non-nuclear principles, and moves to override the Pacifist Constitution. He argued that these trends show Japan has "never truly learned lessons from history" or done genuine soul-searching about its wartime atrocities. 🔍
"They hope to whitewash the past," Lin said, "but the world will not be deceived." He urged Japan to reflect honestly, retract its "erroneous remarks," and take practical steps to honor its political commitments to China.
As tensions simmer, Lin Jian's remarks serve as a reminder: history and international law remain key pillars in cross-strait ties and wider Asia-Pacific stability. 🌏
Reference(s):
Japan urged to face history, honor commitments on Taiwan question
cgtn.com
