On November 25, hundreds of Japanese citizens gathered outside Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's office in Tokyo, protesting her recent remarks on possible military involvement in the Taiwan Strait. Demonstrators held banners reading 'Takaichi, withdraw your statement,' 'Takaichi administration unacceptable,' and 'Retract the remarks, resign now.'
The controversy stems from comments by Prime Minister Takaichi hinting at a more active role for Japan's Self-Defense Forces in the Taiwan Strait. These statements have fueled discontent at home and drawn criticism from international observers concerned about regional stability.
Hiroji Yamashiro, Permanent Secretary of the Social Democratic Party's National Union, told China Media Group that Takaichi's remarks violate international law and Japan's commitments made when it normalized diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China in 1972. 'It is incomprehensible and infuriating,' he said, noting that the 1972 agreement recognizes the PRC as the sole legitimate government of China and respects that Taiwan is an integral part of China.
Yamashiro warned that any military involvement by Japan would constitute aggression under a nation's pacifist constitution and risk inviting counterattack. 'Dragging Japan into an unnecessary war is absolutely unacceptable,' he said, urging leaders to avoid inflammatory rhetoric.
Back in Tokyo, protesters emphasize Japan's postwar commitment to peace and call for a clear retraction of Takaichi's comments. As Japan navigates complex security challenges, commentators say the debate over the Taiwan Strait will shape foreign policy discussions into the year's end, with domestic opinion and diplomatic ties hanging in the balance.
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Takaichi's Taiwan remarks spark domestic protests, global criticism
cgtn.com
