Japanese media figure urges PM Takaichi to retract remarks on Taiwan

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Japanese media figure urges PM Takaichi to retract remarks on Taiwan

2025-12-12 15:05 Last Updated At：12-13 13:28

Japanese media figure Atsushi Okamoto has urged Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to immediately retract her earlier erroneous remarks on China's Taiwan, warning the comments could further strain Japan-China relations.

At a Diet meeting on Nov 7, Takaichi claimed that the Chinese mainland's "use of force on Taiwan" could constitute a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan, implying the possibility of Japan's armed intervention in the Taiwan Strait.

As Japan's prime minister, Takaichi's remarks not only represent her personal views but also carry implications for the Japanese people and Japan's relations with its neighbors, Atsushi Okamoto, former editor-in-chief of Sekai Magazine and former president of Iwanami Shoten Publishers, said in an interview with China Central Television (CCTV) in Tokyo on Monday.

She must exercise the utmost caution, he added.

"I believe the term 'withdrawal' must be explicitly stated by her. Japan has renounced the right to wage war in its Constitution and is a country constitutionally barred from initiating warfare. Yet it is now undertaking extensive war preparations. From historical, moral, or political perspectives, this is utterly untenable. I believe using these arguments as pretexts to expand military spending is highly objectionable," Okamoto said.

He urged Takaichi to adopt a more cautious approach in handling foreign relations and security policy issues, to avoid exposing Japan to unnecessary risks and disputes.

"I hope she will study history diligently, master the Constitution and laws, and thoroughly examine the history of Japan-China relations. She must truly internalize all of this lessons deeply and speak only after careful and repeated deliberation," Okamoto said.

Butterfly boom forecast to hit 10-year high at butterfly valley in Yunnan

The Honghe butterfly valley in southwest China's Yunnan Province is expected to see a 10-year high butterfly boom this year.

As one of the world's richest regions for butterfly species, the butterfly valley in Jinping County sees a massive butterfly emergence every year in late spring and early summer.

From May to June, billions of butterflies emerge and fill the skies above the valley.

Experts estimate this year's butterfly number could be the highest in nearly a decade.

Scientists say such a spectacle is only possible in a healthy ecosystem.

For nearly three decades, local resident Yang Zhenwen has devoted himself to monitoring and protecting the butterflies.

Every day during the emergence season, he serves a special meal to help the tiny creatures replenish their energy: a nutrient solution he developed together with researchers.

"The solution is made mainly from local ingredients, including pineapples, fermented glutinous rice juice and brown sugar. After being boiled together, a small amount of salt is added," said Yang.

Yang regularly patrols the mountains, monitors butterfly habitats, records species data and tracks the growth of host plants.

Recently, over 40 content creators were invited to the county to promote biodiversity conservation through artistic installations and online campaigns. With support from the local government, conservation is also driving rural development.

"We have invited some social organizations. They bring some artists to come here to help our people design butterfly craft products, and also, some professional guides to train our people to become a good tourist guide. I would like to say it's a vivid proof of how human beings and nature can live in harmony," said Liu Xuan, deputy head of Jinping County.

The butterfly valley is drawing in a growing number of tourists.