Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan draw wide criticism from Japanese political figures

Political figures across Japan have strongly denounced Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks after she hinted at the possibility of military involvement in the Taiwan Strait.

Critics expressed concerns over the legal basis, policy logic, and potential regional security risks stemming from her statements, which they said will exacerbate tensions in Japan-China relations.

Komeito chief Tetsuo Saito said that although Takaichi acknowledged in the Diet that her remarks do not necessarily reflect the government's unified view, they nonetheless undermine the foundation of national policy.

He emphasized that any statement by the prime minister's in the Diet should not violate national policies, adding that the remarks carry serious influence and must be corrected.

Three former prime ministers Shigeru Ishiba, Yoshihiko Noda and Yukio Hatoyama have also criticized Takaichi's comments.

Japanese Communist Party (JCP) Policy Commission Chair Taku Yamazoe said on Friday that to prevent the deterioration of Japan-China relations, Takaichi should retract her erroneous statements.

Mizuho Fukushima, head of the Social Democratic Party, said that Takaichi's remarks were entirely irrational, stressing that Japanese society must work to prevent war and halt this dangerous policy.

Yoichi Iha, former mayor of Ginowan City in Okinawa Prefecture and current senator, warned that Takaichi's statements could lead to significant casualties for Japan's Self-Defense Force. He said that Japan's recent military buildup has been increasingly aligned with U.S. strategic frameworks, and that it is vital for Japan to break free from this trajectory.

Ukeru Magosaki, a former Japanese foreign ministry official said that the Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair, and Japan must honor its political commitments regarding Taiwan.

"In 1972, China and Japan jointly issued a statement that clearly stated Japan recognized and respected the position that 'Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the People's Republic of China.' Regrettably, Takaichi is now ignoring this commitment made by Japan to China, and this is the biggest problem," he said.

Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan draw wide criticism from Japanese political figures

Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan draw wide criticism from Japanese political figures

Russia is taking all necessary measures to ensure its national security amid the growing presence and military activities of NATO member states in the Arctic region, a Russian diplomat said on Saturday.

RIA Novosti quoted Russian Ambassador to Norway Nikolai Korchunov as saying that recent military preparations by Norway, Britain and other NATO countries on the alliance's northern flank pose direct security risks to Russia, destabilize the Arctic region and increase the likelihood of dangerous incidents.

It is clear that the intensified militarization of Norway's northern regions and the internationalization of military activity in the Arctic will not strengthen security but instead fuel military-political tensions and escalation, Korchunov said.

He stressed that these negative trends cause justified concern and compel Russia to take all necessary steps to safeguard its security.

Britain and Norway signed a new defense cooperation agreement on Thursday. The agreement includes joint maritime patrols in waters between Greenland, Iceland, Britain and Norway to monitor movements of Russian Navy submarines. It also provides for increasing the number and duration of British Royal Marines deployments on Norwegian territory, and envisages the possible creation of supporting military infrastructure in the country's northern regions.

NATO's Arctic activities pose security threat to Russia: ambassador