Takashi Sanae, Japan’s Prime Minister, has faced criticism over remarks suggesting Japan’s potential involvement in Taiwan’s defense. The comments have been labeled as crossing a “red line” by a top Chinese diplomat, prompting calls for reflection. Relations between China and Japan have sharply cooled following these statements.
From November 19 to 22, Wang Yi, Director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission of the Chinese Communist Party (and also Foreign Minister), traveled to Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan for strategic dialogues with their foreign ministers. In a subsequent interview with Chinese media, he emphasized these Central Asian countries’ opposition to Taiwan independence and their support for China’s efforts toward unification.
Wang Yi highlighted this year as the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War II, suggesting that Japan should deeply reflect on its historical actions regarding Taiwan and its wartime crimes rather than hinting at military involvement. He criticized Prime Minister Takashi’s public signals indicating potential military intervention regarding Taiwan as a dangerous step.
He further remarked that the statements from Japan’s current leader were inappropriate and transgressed a critical boundary, warranting a firm response from China to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Such actions uphold the post-war global order, international justice, and humanity’s conscience, Wang Yi asserted.
Emphasizing adherence to the four key political documents between China and Japan, which include the ‘One China’ principle, Wang Yi stated that any ruling party in Japan must honor these agreements. He warned that if Japan fails to correct its stance, it could face historical accountability enforced by nations and peoples advocating for justice, thereby preventing a resurgence of military imperialism.
China has responded robustly to Takashi’s remarks, including restrictions on travel to Japan, halting the screening of Japanese films, and other cultural sanctions. Additionally, on November 19, China decided to suspend imports of Japanese seafood, recently resumed after a two-year hiatus, as measures targeting Japan’s economy and Takashi’s administration.