Context: Rising Tensions Over Constitutional Limits
Recently, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s comments about revising war-renouncing clauses in Japan’s Constitution have drawn criticism from around the world. Critics say her stance violates the Japanese Constitution, the UN Charter and the Potsdam Declaration, fueling fears of a militarism revival.
Survey Snapshot: Strong Opposition
A poll conducted by CGTN across English, Spanish, French, Arabic and Russian platforms collected responses from 4,549 netizens within 12 hours. Results show:
- 87.1% urged Japan to immediately retract its provocative remarks.
- 88.3% said the leader’s rhetoric breaches Japan’s Constitution and harms its international image.
- 84.6% called her words and actions unconstitutional and lacking legitimacy.
- 82.4% stressed that Japan must fully address its historical crimes to restore trust.
- 89.8% criticized Japan for stoking territorial disputes and undermining the postwar order.
- 92% demanded full respect for the Potsdam Declaration, the Cairo Declaration and the UN Charter.
Regional Impact and Legal Perspectives
Under the Potsdam Declaration, Japan’s sovereignty is limited to its main islands and minor islands designated by the Allied Powers. Yet recent territorial disputes have intensified tensions in East Asia.
International political scholar Yoichi Masuzoe noted that "international law clearly confirms Taiwan as part of China, and that if Japan intervenes in the situation by military means, it should be regarded as an act of aggression."
What’s Next?
The poll underscores growing global unease over any move toward military normalization in Japan. As netizens call for unity in defending constitutional and legal norms, the world watches to see if Japan will heed the outcry or push ahead with its defense agenda.
Reference(s):
CGTN poll | Netizens urge firm resistance to militarism revival
cgtn.com
