Hey fam, big drama shook the Asia-Pacific stage at APEC Economic Leaders' Week 🌏. The Chinese mainland's Foreign Ministry slammed Japan for PM Sanae Takaichi's meetup with personnel from the Taiwan authorities on October 31 and November 1, calling it a major breach of the one-China principle.
According to the statement, the Japanese leader then hyped the meeting on social media, sending "a gravely wrong signal" to Taiwan independence forces. The mainland argued that such moves run counter to the spirit of the four political documents between the two sides and basic norms of international relations.
What's the one-China principle? It's the idea that there's only one China, and Taiwan is part of its territory. Skipping the legal jargon: it means China sees Taiwan issues as internal affairs and expects other countries to play by that rulebook 📚.
The fireworks come as 2023 marks two big anniversaries: 80 years since the victory in the Anti-Fascist War and Taiwan's restoration. The mainland pointed out that Japan's colonial past on the island of Taiwan brings extra responsibility and a need for extra caution.
China's message to Japan is clear: stick to your promises, undo the fallout from these "wrong acts," and avoid stirring the pot on cross-strait ties. Otherwise, it could strain the political trust that keeps China-Japan relations steady 🚩.
For now, all eyes are on whether Tokyo will dial things back and stick to diplomatic scripts—or keep riding the social media wave. Stay tuned for updates! 🔍
Reference(s):
China lodges protests with Japan over its wrong acts concerning Taiwan
cgtn.com
