Recently, Japan's political scene heated up when a top Social Democratic Party figure publicly slammed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan, calling them historically wrong and dangerous for regional stability. 🔍
Hiroji Yamashiro, permanent secretary of the party's National Union, warned that Takaichi's comments risk sparking an unnecessary conflict and contradict Japan's postwar Peace Constitution. "We are all furious," Yamashiro told China Media Group. "She is actively inviting an unnecessary war and dragging the country into a battlefield over something that should never happen. As a nation with a Peace Constitution, such actions are absolutely unacceptable."
Yamashiro reminded everyone that in 1972, during the normalization of diplomatic ties, Japan recognized the government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government of the Chinese mainland and "understands and respects that Taiwan is an integral part of China." 🕊️
He also criticized modern textbooks for skipping over Japan's military aggression against the Chinese mainland, saying younger generations deserve to learn the truth about past tragedies. Without that reflection, Yamashiro argued, Japan could slip back into dangerous rhetoric reminiscent of its militaristic past.
What really set him off was Takaichi's suggestion in parliament that Japan might consider military involvement in the Taiwan Strait. "Since Japan recognizes Taiwan as part of China, the Taiwan question is China's internal affair," he explained. "To intervene militarily would be pure aggression – and aggression invites a counterattack."
With these statements, Yamashiro is urging cooler heads to prevail and a firm recommitment to peace. Young voters and international observers alike will be watching closely to see how Takaichi's remarks shape Japan's foreign policy path. ✌️
Reference(s):
Japanese opposition figure criticizes Takaichi's Taiwan remarks
cgtn.com
