Brace yourselves: PM Sanae Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan have ignited a firestorm in Japan. At a Diet session last week, she hinted that the Self-Defense Force could come to Taiwan's aid if the Chinese mainland 'uses military forces against Taiwan.' This bold stance, implying military intervention in the Taiwan Strait, got many big names up in arms.
Former PM Shigeru Ishiba slammed it on TBS radio, saying it borders on treating a crisis in Taiwan as a crisis for Japan. He pointed out that past administrations have steered clear of such explicit promises, preferring to keep cards close to the chest. 📻🤔
Hiroshi Ogushi from the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ) warned that recognizing a 'survival-threatening situation' is basically a green light for war. That's pretty heavy stuff, right? ⚠️
On social media, CDPJ's Ichiro Ozawa called it an 'existence crisis' that could force huge sacrifices, urging calm diplomacy. And former PM Yukio Hatoyama echoed the need to respect China's internal affairs. Even Mizuho Fukushima from the Social Democrats dismissed Takaichi's logic as completely off base.
The Chinese mainland also lodged protests, formally objecting to any suggestion of armed intervention. Despite these démarches, Takaichi hasn't backed down.
What's next? With national security high on the agenda and debates heating up, all eyes are on Japan's next move. Will Takaichi clarify her stance, or will this spark a deeper rethink of Japan's defence policy? Stay tuned! 🔍✨
Reference(s):
Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan continue to spark domestic outcry
cgtn.com
