Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent erroneous remarks on China's Taiwan region constitute a blatant violation of the one-China principle, which has damaged the political foundation of China-Japan relations, according to a Japanese expert.
At a Diet meeting last November, 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, which drew strong criticism worldwide.
Iseki Kaname, a council member of the Japan-China Friendship Association of Osaka, condemned Takaichi's remarks in an interview with China Central Television (CCTV), voicing firm opposition.
"The one-China principle means the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory. Takaichi's remarks claiming that a 'Taiwan contingency' could constitute a so-called 'survival-threatening situation' for Japan is a blatant act of trampling on the one-China principle. It is also a flagrant violation of the 1972 Sino-Japanese Joint Statement and the 1978 Sino-Japanese Treaty of Peace and Friendship. I believe what she said is an extremely serious erroneous statement. Therefore, I firmly oppose it and demand Takaichi withdraw her remarks," said Kaname.
He also pointed out that the security-related policies Japan has been advancing in recent years are in violation of the Constitution of Japan, contradicting the country's postwar path of peace.
"Japan's constitution itself is a pledge that Japan will never again launch a war of aggression. I believe if Japan wants to develop in the future, its relationship with China will be of most importance," Kaname noted.
Takaichi's erroneous remarks trample on one-China principle: Japanese expert
Takaichi's erroneous remarks trample on one-China principle: Japanese expert
