Vietnamese, Malaysian experts criticize Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's provocative remarks on the Taiwan question, which is an internal affair of China, have drawn fresh criticism from experts in Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam and Malaysia, who said such rhetoric is detrimental to regional peace and stability.

Takaichi said on Nov. 7 during a Diet hearing that the Chinese central government's "use of force on Taiwan" could constitute a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan, and implied the possibility of armed intervention in the Taiwan Strait.

Commenting on Takaichi's remarks, Nguyen Minh Hoan, a standing member of the executive committee of the Vietnam-China Friendship Association expressed deep concern about regional stability.

"If Japan fails to handle this properly, such remarks could trigger something that would lead to instability in regional relations. What should be noted in particular is that such comments might directly affect the current Northeast Asian situation, or even the global situation," said Nguyen Minh Hoan.

Lim Wen Jye, senior researcher at Malaysia's Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research, offered a critical perspective grounded in historical accountability.

"Behind Takaichi's rhetoric lies a disregard for history and an evasion of responsibility for aggression. They could one again harm its already victimized Asian neighbors. Such remarks not only threaten regional peace but also undermine the mutual trust mechanisms that Asian countries have worked so hard to build over the years," said Lim.

Vietnamese, Malaysian experts criticize Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan

Vietnamese, Malaysian experts criticize Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan

Vietnamese, Malaysian experts criticize Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan

Vietnamese, Malaysian experts criticize Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan

Iran is in discussions with Oman on a transit mechanism for the strategic Strait of Hormuz, the country's Foreign Ministry said on Monday, highlighting its commitment to safe passage and regional stability.

The ministry's spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said that the Strait of Hormuz is an internationally important shipping route, and Iran has consistently sought to ensure its safe passage. Talks with Oman on the strait's transit arrangements are ongoing.

Baghaei emphasized that Iran holds no hostility toward any country in the Middle East, including the United Arab Emirates, and urged all parties to stay alert to external attempts to sow division in the region.

He added that, although the United States declined to respond to Iran's proposal, indirect communication between Iran and the U.S. continues through Pakistan.

Iran talks with Oman on Strait of Hormuz transit mechanism