In a press conference on December 3, 2025, Zhang Han, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office from the Chinese mainland, challenged recent comments by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on the status of the Taiwan region. Zhang urged Tokyo to retract what Beijing calls "erroneous remarks" and to demonstrate its commitment to the one-China principle through concrete action.
Zhang pointed out that this year marks two significant anniversaries: the 80th anniversary of both the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the restoration of the island of Taiwan to China, as well as the 82nd anniversary of the Cairo Declaration. "A series of documents with the force of international law, including the Cairo Declaration, all affirm China’s sovereignty over the Taiwan region," she said.
According to Zhang, Prime Minister Takaichi’s statements risk encouraging separatist forces and undermining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. She called on Japan to reflect on its historical responsibilities and to stop interfering in China’s internal affairs.
Emphasizing unity, Zhang stated, "People on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are all Chinese, and the future of the Taiwan region can only be decided jointly by the more than 1.4 billion Chinese people, including residents of the Taiwan region." Her remarks underscore Beijing’s insistence on the one-China principle as the cornerstone of cross-strait relations.
As regional dynamics evolve, analysts note that adherence to established diplomatic commitments may be tested in the months ahead. For now, the call from the Chinese mainland is clear: Japan must retract its remarks and honor the commitments made under the one-China principle.
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Japan urged to retract erroneous remarks, abide by one-China principle
cgtn.com
