Beijing Demands Retraction of Japan PM's Taiwan Comments, Fueling 'Internal Interference' Outcry

The Chinese government has once again demanded the retraction of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's parliamentary statement regarding a potential Taiwan contingency. This demand, issued following Japan's general election, has sparked strong backlash on Japanese social media, with many users condemning it as "interference in internal affairs."

According to reports, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs not only called for the retraction of PM Takaichi's response but also emphasized that Japan "should demonstrate with concrete actions its sincerity in safeguarding the political foundation of China-Japan relations." The spokesperson further stated that "China's policy towards Japan maintains stability and continuity and will not change because of a single Japanese election."

In response, Japanese internet users largely criticized China's demand as "incorrigible" and "foolish," with many advocating a firm stance, asserting that "there's no way it will be retracted" and "it should be ignored." Posts explicitly calling China's actions "interference in internal affairs" and strongly condemning them were also prominent.

On the other hand, some views interpret China's latest move as "the next step" or "an ultimatum," expressing concerns about additional sanctions such as export restrictions on rare earths. Others see it as a diplomatic maneuver, "a lifeline for Prime Minister Takaichi." Some opinions also suggested a flexible response, proposing that the Prime Minister "retract the statement and then simply say that whether a situation constitutes an 'existential threat' (Sonritsu Kiki Jitai) as before is neither affirmed nor denied."

In the past, former Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada, a constitutional centrist, criticized PM Takaichi's remarks on a Taiwan contingency and subsequently lost his election, leading to harsh comments like "it was only natural that he lost." Furthermore, some strong opinions suggest that PM Takaichi does not need to retract her statement, pointing out that the U.S. has signed the "Taiwan Assurance Act" and that a Taiwan contingency is not just a Japan-China issue but also a U.S.-China issue.

China's latest demand for retraction is seen as heightening tensions in Japan-China relations shortly after the formation of Japan's new government, and the Japanese government's future response is awaited with interest.

The Context

To fully understand this article, non-Japanese readers may benefit from the following background information:

• Sanae Takaichi: A prominent conservative member of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), known for her hawkish views, particularly on security and foreign policy issues, including Taiwan. She is often seen as a potential future leader.
• Taiwan Contingency (台湾有事 - Taiwan Yuji): Refers to a hypothetical military conflict involving Taiwan. Given Japan's geographical proximity to Taiwan and the critical strategic importance of the Taiwan Strait for global shipping lanes, any conflict in Taiwan is considered a significant national security concern for Japan.
• "Sonritsu Kiki Jitai" (存立危機事態 - Situation of Existential Threat): This is a crucial concept in Japan's 2015 security legislation. It defines a situation where an armed attack on a foreign country closely related to Japan could threaten Japan's own survival. If such a situation is recognized, it allows Japan to exercise its right to collective self-defense, a significant shift in Japan's post-war pacifist defense posture. Prime Minister Takaichi's remarks likely addressed whether a Taiwan contingency would fall under this category.
• China's 'One China' Policy: Beijing views Taiwan as an integral part of its territory and a renegade province that must be reunified with the mainland, by force if necessary. Any statements or actions by foreign governments that suggest Taiwan's independence or potential intervention are seen by China as a violation of its sovereignty and interference in its internal affairs.
• Post-Election Timing: China's demand coming shortly after Japan's general election can be interpreted as an attempt to assert influence over the newly formed government or to gauge its stance on sensitive issues.
• Rare Earths: China holds a dominant position in the global supply chain of rare earth elements, which are vital for many high-tech industries. The threat of export restrictions on rare earths is a powerful economic tool China could wield as a form of sanction.
• Katsuya Okada: A veteran politician and former Foreign Minister, known for his more pragmatic and sometimes dovish approach compared to figures like Takaichi. His criticism of Takaichi's hawkish stance on Taiwan and his subsequent election loss are mentioned as part of the domestic political discourse on this issue.
• Taiwan Assurance Act (U.S.): This U.S. legislation, signed into law, reaffirms and strengthens the U.S. commitment to Taiwan's self-defense and its role in regional security, highlighting that the Taiwan issue is a broader international concern, not solely a bilateral matter between China and Japan.