Chinese Mainland Sets 'Three Never-Allow' Lines for Japan
At a November 22 strategic dialogue in Dushanbe, the Chinese mainland’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi outlined three clear red lines for Japan: never allowing a return to militarism, no interference in issues related to the Taiwan region, and no distortion of wartime history.
Decoding the Three Never-Allow Lines
- Preventing Militarism: A warning against right-wing forces in Japan seeking to revise its pacifist postwar identity and join regional conflicts under collective self-defense.
- Protecting Internal Affairs: A reaffirmation that the Taiwan region question is an internal matter of the Chinese mainland, not subject to external meddling.
- Respecting Historical Truth: A call for Japan to face its wartime aggression honestly and refrain from distorting or beautifying its past crimes.
Asia-Pacific Risks and Global Stakes
Experts warn that Japan’s renewed security posture and its ties to the Taiwan region could destabilize the Asia-Pacific. The Chinese mainland is the top trading partner for 160 economies, while the Taiwan region holds over 60 percent of the global semiconductor foundry market. Any conflict risks a domino effect on trade routes and high-tech supply chains.
Re-examining Wartime Crimes
Wang Yi’s call to re-examine Japan’s historical crimes aims to restore historical records and could involve declassifying archives with partners like Russia. Diplomatic notes at the UN and emerging legal and sanctions frameworks signal growing international pressure for accountability.
As Wang Yi warned, nations that uphold justice bear the responsibility to prevent a resurgence of militarism and protect regional stability.
Reference(s):
China signals firm red lines to Japan through Wang Yi's statement
cgtn.com
