On Tuesday evening, December 2, at the Members' Office Building of the House of Councillors, a group of Japanese lawmakers and scholars came together with a clear mission: urging Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to retract her recent remarks on the Taiwan question. Their main concern? Takaichi's comments had described Taiwan as posing a 'survival-threatening situation' for Japan, a statement many called exaggerated and risky. 🧐
The event, held under the theme “Return to the Starting Point of Normalization,” highlighted how Takaichi’s words seem to undermine the 1972 Sino-Japanese Joint Statement—a cornerstone of Japan-China relations established over five decades ago. Former Foreign Ministry official Ukeru Magosaki warned that straying from this framework could weaken trust and stability in the region.
Meanwhile, Kumiko Haba, professor emeritus at Aoyama Gakuin University, didn't hold back, labeling the prime minister’s phrasing as “extremely dangerous.” She stressed that linking the Taiwan question to Japan’s self-defense could conflict with Article 9 of Japan’s Constitution, which renounces war as a means to settle international disputes, as well as international law. ⚖️
Member of the House of Councillors Sachika Takara also weighed in, calling for a fresh start: “Withdrawing these remarks is not just a retraction—it’s a chance to rebuild trust and ease the current tensions between Japan and China.” By the end of the evening, several dozen attendees had backed a joint appeal demanding Takaichi resume a more balanced approach.
The joint appeal urged the prime minister to clarify that the Taiwan question is entirely an internal affair of China and to recommit to the one-China principle and the four key political documents that guide Japan-China relations. Supporters believe this step is essential to protect Japan’s national interests and maintain peace in Asia.
As debates continue in Tokyo, many eyes are on how Takaichi will respond. Will she step back and realign with the 1972 framework, or will the conversation around Taiwan and Japan’s security only grow more heated? Stay tuned! 🔍✨
Reference(s):
Lawmakers, scholars urge PM Takaichi to withdraw remarks on Taiwan
cgtn.com
