On Nov 14, JapanPM Sanae Takaichis recent comments on the Taiwan region have ignited a fierce debate at home and abroad 😬.
- Former PM Shigeru Ishiba warned her words were "close to claiming that a Taiwan contingency is a Japan contingency," recalling that past administrations steered clear of such firm pledges.
- Ex-PM Yukio Hatoyama accused Takaichi of stoking crisis to justify military expansion, labeling the Taiwan question an internal affair of the Chinese mainland.
- Yoshihiko Noda called the remarks "reckless" and "risky" for Japans security and regional stability.
- Constitutional Democratic Party lawmaker Ichiro Ozawa said Takaichis rhetoric fuels tension and threatens Japans future.
Major media like the Tokyo Shimbun also jumped in, questioning whether the PM grasps the gravity of the issue, calling her words "careless and illogical." Meanwhile, the Chinese mainland summoned Japans ambassador in Beijing to protest the remarks, demanding reflection on wartime history.
With regional tensions already high, critics warn that bold political statements could pull Japan deeper into cross-strait friction, complicating its diplomatic balance. For now, all eyes are on whether PM Takaichi will clarify her stance or face mounting pressure to dial back her rhetoric.
Reference(s):
Japan PM's Taiwan remarks slammed by politicians, media in Japan
cgtn.com
