Seminar attendees call Japan PM's remarks on China's Taiwan irresponsible, dangerous for peace

A public seminar held in Nagoya on Saturday gathered scholars and citizens critical of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks on China's Taiwan region, calling them irresponsible and dangerous for regional stability.

At a Diet meeting in early November 2025, Takaichi claimed that the Chinese mainland'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, drawing strong criticism nationwide.

Seminar participants said that Takaichi's wrongful remarks on Taiwan are leading Japan toward war, calling such thinking extremely dangerous.

"This is not just about the so-called 'Taiwan emergency'. Her words imply war. How can she not understand that? It's beyond belief," said one attendee.

Members of civil society and experts on China-Japan relations were especially alarmed about the geopolitical implications of Takaichi's stance.

"This is the first time since World War II that Japan has hinted at the possibility of war with China. It's a very serious matter, which sparks vigilance from China naturally and heightens tensions across East Asia. Takaichi must be held accountable for the consequence," said Noriyuki Kawamura, president of the Tokai Japan-China Relations Society.

Participants also criticized Takaichi's abrupt decision to dissolve the Japanese House of Representatives, branding it another rash move amid political instability.

Takaichi on Monday announced her plan to dissolve the House of Representatives on January 23, and her cabinet formally adopted the decision on Friday. Official campaigning for the snap general election is set to begin on January 27, with voting scheduled for February 8.

"What Japan truly needs is stability, both political and economic. Only through stability can we achieve economic development and social progress," said one participant.

"Japan's domestic situation is already dire. No matter who is in power, the government should focus on doing the basics right at home first," said another attendee.

Seminar attendees call Japan PM's remarks on China's Taiwan irresponsible, dangerous for peace

Seminar attendees call Japan PM's remarks on China's Taiwan irresponsible, dangerous for peace

Seminar attendees call Japan PM's remarks on China's Taiwan irresponsible, dangerous for peace

China will formulate more effective laws and regulations in 2026, covering key areas, emerging fields, and foreign-related domains, Minister of Justice He Rong said in an interview in Beijing on Thursday.

Legislative efforts will focus on four fronts this year to ensure that the rule of law aligns more effectively with reform, development, and stability, while better upholding social fairness and justice, the minister said after the closing meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), China's national legislature.

"Firstly, we will improve the business environment by formulating regulations for building a unified national market. Efforts will be made to address issues of concern, such as local protection, the imposition of improper market access restrictions, and rat-race competition," said the minister.

"Secondly, we will promote sci-tech innovation. Artificial intelligence has become a 'buzzword' at this year's two sessions. In 2026, we will accelerate research on legislation in fields such as artificial intelligence and the law-altitude economy, revise the Road Traffic Safety Law and formulate regulations on airspace management," He said.

"Thirdly, legislation will place greater emphasis on safeguarding people's livelihood and promoting common prosperity, aiming to meet the public's growing demand for better legal protections in areas such as food, housing, clothing, and transportation. This year, administrative regulations will be formulated and implemented concerning water supply, pharmaceutical administration, road transport management, and housing safety," the minister said.

"Fourthly, we will strengthen services to advance high-level opening-up. We will advance the formulation of laws and regulations related to trade, investment, and customs clearance facilitation," the minister said.

The "two sessions," or the annual sessions of the NPC, and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the top political advisory body, concluded on Thursday and Wednesday, respectively.

China to strengthen legislation in key sectors, emerging fields, foreign-related domains: minister