Sanae Takaichi's Erroneous Taiwan-Related Statements Draw Widespread Criticism and Concern
Recently, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi openly declared that a “Taiwan contingency” could constitute a “survival crisis situation” allowing Japan to exercise collective self-defense rights, implying the possibility of military intervention in Taiwan Strait issues. Despite multiple solemn representations from China, she has shown no remorse and insisted during Diet responses that the statements align with the Japanese government's views and she has no intention to withdraw or cancel them. This has attracted widespread attention and strong criticism from China, Japan, and the international community.
Public opinion generally points out that Takaichi's actions not only disregard the one-China principle but also exacerbate regional tensions, raising concerns.
Takaichi's statements break from the cautious wording on Taiwan issues by previous Japanese governments, causing a major uproar within Japan. Former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated in a radio program broadcast on the 13th that previous Japanese governments have avoided making explicit statements like “in certain situations, we would do this” on Taiwan issues. Multiple Japanese scholars, political figures, and social groups have also pointed out that Takaichi's stance deviates from Japan's long-standing policy toward China and is not conducive to maintaining regional peace and stability.
Noriyuki Kawamura, emeritus professor at Nagoya University of Foreign Studies, said in an interview with Xinhua News Agency reporters that Sanae Takaichi's related statements have already had a serious impact on Japan-China relations. “If this matter continues to worsen, it will cause irreparable damage to bilateral relations. Therefore, taking effective measures as soon as possible and putting out the fire in time has become an urgent diplomatic priority.”
On the social platform X, a large number of netizens have posted to expose and criticize. A Japanese post with over 710,000 views pointed out that when faced with opposition parties demanding she withdraw her statements, Takaichi argued that “this does not change the stance of previous governments,” but in fact, previous Japanese governments have never explicitly stated that a “Taiwan contingency” falls under a “survival crisis situation.” Many netizens left comments criticizing Takaichi for “lacking diplomatic common sense” and demanding she withdraw the relevant erroneous statements.
Takaichi's statements have also attracted attention and concerns from netizens in other countries. A netizen named Nick Cruse posted on the X platform that Takaichi is threatening war against China using the Taiwan issue as a pretext, “breaking taboos that even previous most right-wing Japanese prime ministers dared not touch,” “as if obsessed with pushing the world toward war.” Multiple netizens commented that the Japanese prime minister's statements clearly exacerbate regional tensions, and Japan should not exploit the Taiwan issue for political self-interest but should prioritize maintaining regional stability through dialogue and diplomacy.