Japanese Opposition Demands PM Takaichi Retract Taiwan Comments

Japan, Dec 02 : Leaders from several Japanese opposition parties have sharply criticized Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for her recent remarks on Taiwan, calling on her to withdraw the comments to prevent further strain on Japan-China relations.

During an NHK TV program on Sunday, Satoshi Honjo, Policy Chief of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, said Takaichi’s statements demonstrated a flawed understanding of what constitutes a “survival threatening situation” under Japanese law. He noted that her remarks diverged from existing legislation, historical precedent, and the consistent positions of successive Japanese governments since the normalization of diplomatic ties with China in 1972.

Taku Yamazoe, Policy Chief of the Japanese Communist Party, warned that Takaichi’s comments could have “serious consequences” for Japan and violate the Constitution, describing them as “extremely dangerous.” He emphasized that Japan’s 1972 Sino-Japanese Joint Statement explicitly recognizes Taiwan as part of China and cited the 2008 bilateral statement affirming that the two nations “pose no threat to each other.”

Yamazoe insisted that the prime minister must retract her remarks to ease diplomatic tensions. Akiko Oishi, co-representative of the Reiwa Shinsengumi, also labeled Takaichi’s comments as “groundless,” urging the public to remain calm and avoid provocation.

The opposition’s strong response highlights the sensitivity of the Taiwan issue in Japan’s foreign policy and the potential repercussions of statements that contradict long standing diplomatic agreements.