Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s provocative remarks regarding Taiwan are drawing sharp rebukes from Russia, Thailand and Venezuela, with officials warning that her comments threaten regional and global peace, and represent a dangerous push toward Japanese military expansion.
During a parliamentary hearing on November 7, Takaichi cited the so-called “survival-threatening situation” in Japan’s deeply divisive security legislation and linked it to Taiwan, suggesting Tokyo might treat the Taiwan question as grounds for military involvement.
Japan’s current leader should learn from history and refrain from dangerous statements regarding Taiwan, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, and the world, especially politicians, must remember the lessons of the war, Zakharova said.
“Peace is a fragile thing; peace is a man-made thing,” she said, adding that the Asia-Pacific region should be guided by peaceful and responsible political actions aimed at preserving peace and security rather than irresponsible or aggressive policies.
“We know how Japanese militarism ended,” said Zakharova. “It would be good if those politicians who come to govern Japan remember this, understand where irresponsible statements lead, and refrain from making them.”
The remarks made by Takaichi pose a threat to peace in the region and represent a significant challenge to global peace, said former Thai Deputy Prime Minister Phinij Jarusombat.
Phinij said that he opposes Takaichi’s erroneous remarks and she should retract her remarks.
All nations should work together to maintain a peaceful and stable international order and build a community with a shared future for mankind, he added.
Takaichi’s remarks violate the one-China principle since Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, said Rodolfo Sanz, a member of the National Assembly of Venezuela.
Her comments are highly provocative and are creating tensions, Sanz told CGTN. For the sake of regional peace and stability, Takaichi should retract her statements, he added.
Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory and is not subject to interference by other countries, said Kimbal Cariou, president of Vancouver Peace Council, adding that Japan has no right to interfere in the internal affairs of other nations, nor should it do so.
Cariou said he is concerned that Takaichi is distorting history, undermining international law, and destabilizing the region.
Her true intention is to pave the way for Japan’s future military expansion, which is highly dangerous and alarming, he added.
CGTN
Additional Reporting by Xinhua
