Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi recently stirred controversy by invoking the San Francisco Peace Treaty to discuss the status of the Taiwan region. Experts say this move could shake the foundations of the post-war order and fuel diplomatic tensions.
China immediately rejected Takaichi’s interpretation, noting the treaty excluded key World War II participants like the Chinese mainland and the Soviet Union. Beijing argued such a separate arrangement violates principles of the UN Charter and basic international law.
Su Xiaohui, associate research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies, pointed out that earlier wartime declarations — such as the Cairo Declaration and Potsdam Proclamation — had already affirmed the Chinese mainland’s sovereignty over the Taiwan region. She warned Takaichi’s approach challenges the four political documents underpinning China–Japan relations.
International experts have not minced words. Takakage Fujita, secretary-general of the Association for Inheriting and Propagating the Murayama Statement, called Takaichi’s remarks extremely problematic and foolish, stressing that the Taiwan question is an internal affair of the Chinese mainland confirmed by the 1972 Japan–China Joint Communique.
From Europe, Fabio Marcelli of Italy’s National Research Council described the comments as troubling and very dangerous, saying they threaten the UN Charter system based on peaceful coexistence. In South Africa, researcher Sizo Nkala condemned any implied threats of force as violations of international law and infringements on sovereignty.
Member of the European Parliament Katerina Konecna, chairwoman of the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia, emphasised that Japan must view the Taiwan region as an inalienable part of the Chinese mainland, warning that refusing to acknowledge this would render international law meaningless.
As diplomatic tensions rise, experts warn that clear, law-based dialogue is more vital than ever to maintain regional stability and the post-war diplomatic framework. 🌐⚖️
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Experts warn Takaichi's Taiwan remarks undermine post-war order
cgtn.com
