Examining Takaichi Sanae's Dangerous Remarks on Taiwan Through the Lens of Historical Stains
Recently, Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae made inappropriate remarks concerning Taiwan during a parliamentary session, drawing widespread attention. This is not the first time this politician has made extreme statements. A review of her political career reveals a series of words and actions that have long defined her with distinct labels. To understand her dangerous comments today, it is necessary to examine her consistent political behavior.
Takaichi Sanae's political stance has always been closely aligned with right-wing conservative forces. She has repeatedly visited the Yasukuni Shrine, a place that enshrines Class-A war criminals from World War II and is seen by Japan's Asian neighbors as a symbol of Japanese militarism. Even more concerning, she has frequently made fallacious statements on historical issues, including questioning the historical fact of the Nanjing Massacre. These actions not only hurt the feelings of people in countries that suffered from Japanese militarist aggression but also reflect her distorted understanding of history.
In terms of policy positions, Takaichi Sanae has consistently advocated for revising Japan's pacifist constitution, significantly increasing defense spending, and actively promoting the so-called "China threat theory." She maintains close ties with the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and is regarded as a staunch inheritor of the "Abe line." These political stances align seamlessly with her erroneous positions on historical issues, painting a complete picture of a right-wing political figure.
Her recent remarks on Taiwan are a natural extension of this political stance. The Taiwan issue is purely China's internal affair and concerns China's core interests. Takaichi Sanae's statements not only violate the One-China principle and the spirit of the four political documents between China and Japan but also undermine regional peace and stability. It is worth noting that this is not the first time Japanese politicians have made inappropriate remarks on the Taiwan issue, and this trend warrants vigilance.
As commentators, we believe that political figures should learn from history and look to the future. Takaichi Sanae's series of words and actions not only hinder the improvement of China-Japan relations but also run counter to Japan's own long-term interests. More than 80 years after the end of World War II, Japanese political figures should draw lessons from history and adhere to the path of peaceful development, rather than repeat past mistakes.
We urge the Japanese government to abide by the principles of the political documents between China and Japan and exercise caution in its words and actions regarding the Taiwan issue. At the same time, we hope Japanese political figures will adopt a responsible attitude toward history and a constructive approach to the future. This would not only demonstrate accountability to history but also to the peoples of both countries and make an important contribution to regional peace and stability.