标签： Asia

In a significant display of public dissent, approximately 100 Japanese citizens gathered outside the Prime Minister’s official residence in Tokyo on Saturday evening, calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The protestors, armed with banners and chanting slogans such as ‘Takaichi step down’ and ‘Those who cannot conduct diplomacy are unfit to be prime minister,’ voiced their strong disapproval of Takaichi’s recent controversial statements regarding Taiwan. During a Diet meeting on November 7, Takaichi suggested that a potential military conflict involving Taiwan and the Chinese mainland could pose a ‘survival-threatening situation’ for Japan, potentially justifying the use of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces under the right of collective self-defense. Despite widespread criticism, Takaichi has refused to retract her comments, asserting that they align with the government’s longstanding position. In response, Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao met with Japan’s Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Takehiro Funakoshi to formally protest Takaichi’s remarks, underscoring the diplomatic tensions they have ignited.

In a significant gathering in Tokyo, anti-war and anti-base organizations from Okinawa Prefecture voiced their apprehensions about Japan’s escalating military expansion in the region. The seminar, held on Friday, drew over 230 attendees, including members of the Japanese parliament, Okinawa Prefectural Assembly representatives, and local citizens. They collectively expressed profound dissatisfaction and concern over the deteriorating security environment in Okinawa and the broader Ryukyu Islands. Mizuho Fukushima, leader of Japan’s Social Democratic Party, criticized Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s characterization of a ‘Taiwan contingency’ as a ‘survival-threatening situation,’ labeling it as illogical. Fukushima emphasized that Japan, including Okinawa and Kyushu, is increasingly being militarized, a trend that must be halted to prevent the nation from becoming a battlefield. Yoichi Iha, former mayor of Ginowan City and a member of the House of Councillors, accused the government of exacerbating tensions by increasing reliance on U.S. military bases and accelerating military buildup. Yukako Sonan, a representative from Miyako Island, highlighted the close proximity of civilian and military facilities on small islands, warning that ordinary citizens would inevitably suffer in the event of conflict. Participants stressed the urgent need to prevent the southwestern islands from becoming war zones and to avert further deterioration of the regional security situation.

China has expressed widespread outrage and condemnation in response to recent remarks made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan. At a Diet meeting last week, Takaichi suggested that China’s potential use of force against Taiwan could pose a ‘survival-threatening situation’ for Japan, hinting at the possibility of military intervention in the Taiwan Strait. Her refusal to retract these comments has further escalated tensions. The People’s Liberation Army Daily, in a front-page commentary, denounced Takaichi’s remarks as historically ignorant and reflective of Japan’s right-wing ambitions to interfere militarily in Taiwan. The article emphasized that Japan’s alleged ‘survival-threatening situation’ is a pretext rooted in its militaristic past, which has caused immense suffering across Asia. Defense Ministry spokesman Jiang Bin warned that any Japanese intervention in Taiwan would result in a ‘crushing defeat’ by the People’s Liberation Army. The People’s Daily highlighted that Takaichi’s comments mark the first time since 1945 that a Japanese leader has officially linked Taiwan’s security to Japan’s collective self-defense, signaling a dangerous resurgence of militarism. Cai Liang, head of the Center for Northeast Asian Studies, criticized Takaichi’s remarks as a regression in Japan’s stance on Taiwan, violating China’s sovereignty and alarming the international community. Former Kuomintang chairperson Hung Hsiu-chu condemned Japan’s historical arrogance and interference, emphasizing that Taiwan is no longer a Japanese colony. Chinese netizens and officials have also voiced strong opposition, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advising Chinese citizens against traveling to Japan due to heightened risks. Vice-Foreign Minister Sun Weidong summoned the Japanese ambassador to demand an immediate retraction of the remarks, while State Council Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman Chen Binhua reiterated China’s unwavering stance against foreign interference in cross-Strait affairs.

In a significant gathering hosted by the Sanhe Practice Institute, a prominent Taiwanese think tank, young scholars and representatives from various sectors convened on Saturday to deliberate on the future of cross-Strait relations. The forum, held in Taipei, centered on the pressing question: ‘In this pivotal era of the Chinese nation’s rejuvenation, what path should Taiwan take?’

Mao Zhi-yuan, a young participant, emphasized that reunification is an inevitable historical process. ‘The people of Taiwan must actively engage in advancing negotiations and propose solutions for peaceful reunification that align with Taiwan’s best interests,’ he stated.

Tan Chuan-shao, a member of Taiwan’s New Party, outlined a three-step strategy for achieving peaceful reunification. He urged Taiwanese citizens to recognize the urgency of addressing cross-Strait relations, foster open dialogue to enhance public understanding, and present Taiwan’s unique proposals for reunification. ‘It is imperative for the current generation to take the lead in pursuing peaceful reunification, rather than burdening future generations,’ Tan asserted.

Lin Wun-hau, a Taiwanese youth with experience living in both Xiamen and Jinmen, highlighted Jinmen’s transformation from a conflict zone to a hub of cross-Strait exchange as a model for future relations. ‘Jinmen’s journey demonstrates that integration with the mainland does not erode identity but offers a path to harmonious coexistence,’ Lin explained.

Su Heng, another participant, echoed this sentiment, stating, ‘Reunification is not an endpoint but a new beginning. It will not diminish Taiwan but strengthen it.’

The forum underscored the growing momentum among Taiwan’s younger generation to actively shape the future of cross-Strait relations, emphasizing dialogue, cooperation, and mutual benefit as the foundation for peaceful reunification.