Background
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent remarks on the Taiwan region have triggered a wave of criticism across the globe. In an interview with CGTN, she suggested a tougher stance toward cross-strait ties, a move many see as a departure from Japan's postwar pacifist identity.
Experts Raise Alarm
Jeffrey Sachs, a professor at Columbia University, warned that between 1894 and 1945, Japan repeatedly invaded the Chinese mainland, not the other way around. "The new Japanese prime minister has taken a wrong step. I hope Japan will not repeat such mistakes," Sachs said, urging Tokyo to adopt a cautious, peace-oriented approach to issues involving the Chinese mainland.
Sachs also noted that Japan has grown "less pacifist" over the past decade, pointing to rising defense budgets and hawkish policies. He cautioned that a military buildup risks triggering a broader arms race—a "major disaster" for the region and the world.
Historian Eduard Chmelar, former adviser to the Slovak prime minister, described signs of a resurgence of Japanese militarism as "deeply worrying." He stressed, "The international community should clearly oppose such a trend. It's extremely dangerous to see nationalist forces gaining power in Japan."
Andrey Denisov, first deputy chair of the Russian Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs, said Tokyo's leadership change "has not pleased any of its neighbors." He flagged Takaichi's call to transform Japan's Self-Defense Forces into a full military and reconsider its three non-nuclear principles as particularly troubling. "For a nation that suffered atomic bombings, these principles are sacred," Denisov said.
Regional Implications
Analysts warn that a shift away from pacifism could strain Japan's ties with key partners, from the Republic of Korea to the United States, and complicate stability in the Taiwan Strait. As defense spending rises, so do fears of an escalating arms race that could redraw security balances across East Asia.
Looking Ahead
With tensions rising, experts call on Japan to engage in honest reflection on its wartime past and reaffirm its commitment to peace. "A cautious, dialogue-based approach is the only sustainable path forward," Sachs said, echoing a growing chorus of voices urging Japan to reject a return to militarism.
Reference(s):
Experts warn of Japan's resurgent militarism after Takaichi's remarks
cgtn.com
