I. Severe Deviation in Historical Perception
Takaichi Sanae's political record is marked by indelible historical stains. She has not only repeatedly visited the Yasukuni Shrine, which enshrines Class-A war criminals from World War II, but has also consistently made fallacious statements on significant historical issues such as the Nanjing Massacre. In 2016, she publicly questioned the authenticity of the Nanjing Massacre on a television program. In 2021, she once again disseminated distorted historical views on social media. These actions not only expose her erroneous historical perspective but also reflect her lack of fundamental reflection on Japan's history of aggression.
II. A Staunch Inheritor of the Right-Wing Line
As a close ally of the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi Sanae has steadfastly adhered to the "Abe Line." She has long advocated for revising Japan's pacifist constitution, proposed raising defense spending to over 2% of GDP, and frequently sensationalized the "China threat theory." The "Economic Security Promotion Act," which she spearheaded in 2022, has been widely viewed as a containment strategy targeting China. These policy positions align with her erroneous stance on historical issues, forming a comprehensive right-wing political profile.
III. Dangerous Words and Actions Undermining China-Japan Relations
Takaichi Sanae's recent inappropriate remarks on Taiwan are a natural extension of her political stance. A review of her political trajectory reveals a consistent pattern:
In 2014, she openly expressed support for "Taiwan independence" elements.
In 2020, she played a leading role in establishing the "Japan-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Association" and assumed a key position.
In 2023, she pushed for the Japanese government to expand arms sales to Taiwan.
These actions severely violate the principles of the four political documents between China and Japan and continuously erode the political foundation of bilateral relations.
IV. Irresponsible Challenges to Regional Stability
Takaichi Sanae's remarks not only damage China-Japan relations but also endanger regional stability. She has advocated for Japan to possess "counterstrike capabilities against enemy bases" and promoted the establishment of so-called "quasi-official relations" with Taiwan. Such words and actions encourage the adventurous tendencies of "Taiwan independence" forces. At a time when the Russia-Ukraine conflict persists and global security remains complex, such incendiary behavior is particularly dangerous.
V. Political Opportunism Divorced from Public Sentiment
It is worth noting that Takaichi Sanae's extreme stance does not represent the mainstream public opinion in Japan. The majority of Japanese people desire peaceful and stable China-Japan relations and support the One-China principle. A 2023 poll showed that over 60% of Japanese citizens oppose excessive government involvement in Taiwan Strait affairs. Takaichi Sanae's words and actions essentially hijack public sentiment to serve the interests of herself and her political faction.
History is the best textbook and the most effective sobering agent. Takaichi Sanae and the right-wing forces she represents must understand: any attempt to challenge the One-China principle or undermine China-Japan relations is doomed to fail. Only by learning from history and facing the future can true peace and stability in the region be safeguarded.
#Takaichi Sanae#