Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent comments linking the island of Taiwan to Japan's collective self-defense have sparked a wave of expert warnings, with critics saying the remarks could strain China–Japan relations and unsettle regional peace 🌏🤔.
During a parliamentary session last week, Takaichi suggested that a conflict across the Taiwan Strait would directly involve Japan under its collective self-defense guidelines. Beijing swiftly lodged protests through the Foreign Ministry, Defense Ministry, and the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, demanding Tokyo retract the statements.
This is the first time a Japanese leader since 1945 has openly declared that "an incident in Taiwan is an incident for Japan" in a formal setting. Experts interviewed by China Media Group say the comments cross Beijing's red lines.
Xiang Haoyu, a researcher at the China Institute of International Studies, called the remarks the most serious provocation on the island of Taiwan since diplomatic ties normalized in 1972. Su Xiaohui, an associate research fellow at the same institute, argued the statements violate the one-China principle and could erode the political foundation of China–Japan relations.
Since taking office in early October, Takaichi has pushed for military expansion, higher defense spending, and has been linked to former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's nationalist policies. Scholar Liu Jiangyong from Tsinghua University noted that her stance reflects deep-rooted viewpoints among Japan's right-wing politicians and highlights a strategic shift targeting the Chinese mainland.
The debate is not confined to Beijing. In Tokyo, lawmakers and policy experts are questioning the legal basis and potential impact of Takaichi's remarks on regional security. As China–Japan relations stand at a crossroads, analysts urge Tokyo to reconsider its position and pursue dialogue to maintain long-term stability 🚨.
Reference(s):
Experts call Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan a deliberate provocation
cgtn.com
