Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's erroneous remarks on China's Taiwan region violate international laws and disrespect China's sovereignty, said Kamel Mansari, director of publications for Le Jeune Indépendant, an Algerian French newspaper.
Takaichi's recent statement, which implies the possibility of armed intervention in the Taiwan Strait, has drawn opposition and criticism from the international community and insightful individuals within Japan.
"We know that Taiwan is historically and legally part of Chinese territory, a fact confirmed and reflected in numerous international legal documents. Takaichi's erroneous remarks are detrimental to the long-term healthy development of Sino-Japanese relations and lack respect for China's sovereignty," said Mansari.
In recent years, Japan has significantly shifted its security policy, increasing its defense budget year by year, easing restrictions on arms exports, and even considering revisions to the country's long-standing Three Non-Nuclear Principles.
The three principles -- not possessing, not producing and not allowing introduction of nuclear weapons into Japanese territory -- were first declared in the Diet, Japan's parliament, by then Japanese Prime Minister Eisaku Sato in 1967 and viewed as a national credo.
Japan's continued military expansion will heighten regional tensions, and the international community should remain highly vigilant and implement countermeasures, according to Mansari.
"Japan has signed the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and other arms control treaties. Given Japan's history of aggression, these treaties aim to limit its military expansion. I am concerned that Japan's continued military expansion, which may even trigger an arms race, is detrimental to the region. I think the international community needs to take action to curb Japan's military buildup," said Mansari.
Takaichi's erroneous remarks on Taiwan disrespect China's sovereignty: Algerian newspaper director
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that the issue of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is a spillover effect of the current conflicts, noting the Strait of Hormuz remains unstable if the war doesn't end.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a phone conversation with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.
The Saudi Arabian foreign minister briefed Wang on the latest developments of the Middle East situation, saying the war in Iran has caused severe impacts on countries in the region and the world at large.
Saudi Arabia attaches importance to China's important role in international affairs, and values high-level strategic cooperation with China, he said, adding that the kingdom is ready to further enhance consultation and coordination with China on platforms including the United Nations, to jointly push for the de-escalation of the situation and an end to the conflict.
Wang noted that the prolonged war in Iran, which has lasted for over a month, has caused enormous casualties and losses, and undermined the security and stability of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, over which China expressed concerns.
Wang said China and Pakistan recently jointly issued a five-point initiative for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East region, which includes safeguarding the sovereignty and security of the Gulf states, stopping attacks on civilians and non-military targets, and ensuring the security of shipping lanes.
Wang said the top priority is to focus on cessation of hostilities. Actions by the UN Security Council should avoid escalating confrontations and should not legitimize unauthorized military operations; otherwise, it will lead to endless trouble, with small and medium-sized countries being the first to bear the brunt, he added.
Wang noted that China appreciates Saudi Arabia's commitment to promoting peace and ceasefire, and stands ready to work with Saudi Arabia to make efforts for the early restoration of regional peace.
Chinese FM says Strait of Hormuz remains unstable if war doesn't end
