Political leaders, public figures and major media outlets across China’s Taiwan region have strongly condemned recent remarks made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, saying her statements risk fuelling instability and undermining the desire of residents who want lasting peace in the Taiwan Strait. The comments have triggered a wave of criticism, with many accusing the Japanese leader of adopting a confrontational stance that could worsen regional tensions.
Takaichi recently claimed that any use of force by the Chinese mainland concerning Taiwan could create a survival threatening situation for Japan. She further suggested that Japan might consider involvement in a conflict in the Taiwan Strait. Although China has formally raised concerns multiple times, Japan has not withdrawn the remarks.
Former Kuomintang chairperson Ma Ying jeou said Takaichi’s attitude would inevitably stir memories of past Japanese right wing militarism. He stressed that cross strait issues must be handled by the people on both sides and should never be shaped by foreign intervention. According to Ma, Chinese people across the Taiwan Strait possess the wisdom and ability needed to resolve differences peacefully.
Kuomintang chairperson Cheng Li wun shared a similar view in an interview with Nikkei Asia, saying that Chinese communities on both sides can absolutely settle disagreements peacefully if given the space to engage directly.
Hung Hsiu chu, also a former chairperson of the Kuomintang, accused Takaichi of pushing Taiwan toward unnecessary danger and said her rhetoric exposes the lingering shadow of militarism in Japan’s political thinking. She urged that anyone attempting to pull Taiwan closer to conflict must be firmly told to stop.
Chi Hsing, publisher of The Observer magazine, recalled that during the period of Japanese occupation, people in Taiwan resisted in many ways. He noted that anyone with a sense of justice in the Taiwan region would reject the prime minister’s remarks.
Political commentator Chou Hsi Wei questioned why Takaichi would speak about Taiwan at all, given Japan’s history of past aggression against China. Another commentator, Lai Yueh chien, argued that the remarks portray the Chinese mainland as a potential target of war, reflecting a clear militaristic position within elements of Japan’s leadership.
Hsieh Chih chuan, another well known commentator, said that Takaichi’s comments disregard both historical realities and international law. He warned that supporters of Taiwan independence should not draw false hope from her words, adding that China will be unified eventually and inevitably.
An editorial in China Times, a major Taiwan based newspaper, cautioned that the Democratic Progressive Party authorities should not place unrealistic expectations on Takaichi’s claim of a Taiwan contingency. The editorial argued that aligning with Japan’s more radical position simply because it counters the mainland will only increase the risks facing Taiwan.
