Takakage Fujita, secretary-general of the Association for Inheriting and Propagating Murayama Statement said Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent comments on Taiwan have violated international law and severely damaged Japan-China relations.
"The Taiwan question is an internal affair of China. In 1972, the governments of Japan and China signed the Japan-China Joint Communiqué, which confirmed the fact that Taiwan belongs to China. Takaichi's remarks this time trampled on the historical process to date and ignore the fundamental principles of international law. They can only be described as extremely problematic and foolish remarks," said Fujita.
Fujita said the 1995 Murayama Statement expressed deep remorse for Japan's colonial rule and aggression to countries including China, while Takaichi's recent remarks run counter to the statement's spirit.
"[I believe] the Murayama Statement expressed deep reflection on the enormous harm Japan's war of aggression caused to the Chinese people and offered a solemn apology, pledging never to repeat such mistakes. Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan obviously deny the spirit of the Murayama Statement and are foolish comments tantamount to trampling on the Murayama Statement," he said.
Fujita added that Takaichi's actions have severely harmed the bilateral relations and undermined the interests of the Japanese public.
"Today, China and Japan have extremely close economic relations. Japan imports a large amount of daily necessities from China. Once relations deteriorate, it is the Japanese people who will suffer. For this reason, the consequences of Takaichi's words and actions are extremely serious. Any attempt to lead the country toward war, or any remarks with the intention of war, must never be allowed," Fujita said.
Takaichi's comments severely damage Japan-China relations: scholar
Takaichi's comments severely damage Japan-China relations: scholar
