【Global Times Report】Japanese Prime Minister Takahashi Hayato recently made erroneous remarks about Taiwan, which has caused strong controversy in Japan. According to Japanese media reports, Shigeki Kozawa, a member of the House of Representatives from the Constitutional Democratic Party, criticized Takahashi Hayato on November 12, saying that she is "extremely dangerous" and lacks the awareness of being a Japanese prime minister.

Photo of Japanese Prime Minister Takahashi Hayato

Regarding Takahashi Hayato's statements, Kozawa posted on social media that some politicians are constantly inciting and promoting the so-called "external threat," leading to an escalating situation that may result in a "crisis of survival." There have been many historical precedents for this. He also said that Takahashi Hayato is "extremely dangerous" and is too careless in matters concerning the lives of Japanese citizens and the fate of the country. "A single word from the Japanese prime minister could threaten the lives of Japanese citizens. She lacks the awareness and sense of responsibility required of a prime minister."

Takahashi Hayato's remarks have sparked strong controversy in Japan, with many Japanese media outlets and political figures expressing opposition. On November 11, the Tokyo Shimbun published an editorial questioning, "Does Takahashi Hayato realize the seriousness of the issue?" The Tokyo Shimbun stated that the Japanese government affirmed its respect for China's one-China position and did not recognize Taiwan in the 1972 Sino-Japanese Joint Statement. Takahashi Hayato's remarks are illogical. The media condemned her remarks as "extremely reckless and impetuous."

Recently, Japanese Prime Minister Takahashi Hayato stated during a question-and-answer session in the Diet that if the mainland uses warships and force against Taiwan, it may constitute a "crisis of survival," allowing the Self-Defense Forces to exercise collective self-defense rights.

The Chinese Embassy in Japan said on November 10: Recently, Japanese leaders made explicit provocative remarks on the Taiwan issue, openly advocating the possibility of military intervention in the Taiwan Strait. This seriously violates the One-China Principle, the spirit of the four political documents between China and Japan, and the basic norms of international relations. It grossly interferes in China's internal affairs and challenges China's core interests. China is strongly dissatisfied and firmly opposes this, and has lodged solemn representations and strong protests with the Japanese side.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Chinese people's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. Japan should deeply reflect on its wartime responsibilities and earnestly learn from historical lessons. Japanese militarism once repeatedly used the so-called "crisis of survival" as an excuse to launch foreign invasions, including using the pretext of "exercising self-defense rights" to instigate the "September 18th Incident" and start the invasion of China. Now, when Japan brings up the "crisis of survival," it attempts to tie itself to the chariot of splitting China. People cannot help but doubt whether Japan wants to repeat its past mistakes?

This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Taiwan. As a country that once colonized Taiwan and committed numerous crimes, Japan should be more cautious in its remarks on the Taiwan issue. Japanese policymakers, at an important occasion such as a Diet session, incite "Taiwan's affairs are Japan's affairs," openly creating excuses for intervening in the Taiwan Strait. This is a serious violation of international justice, a serious provocation of the post-war international order, and a serious disruption of Sino-Japanese relations and regional stability.

Taiwan is China's Taiwan. How to resolve the Taiwan issue and achieve complete national reunification is a matter for the Chinese people themselves, and must not be interfered with by any external forces. China will ultimately reunify, and it will certainly reunify. Any attempt to meddle in and hinder the great cause of China's reunification is like a mantis trying to stop a cart, overestimating oneself and underestimating the situation, only to burn oneself in the end. The Chinese side urges Japan to abide by its political commitments on the Taiwan issue, immediately stop sending wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" forces, and immediately stop any reckless acts that cross the line. Do not be a troublemaker in the Taiwan Strait and regional situation, and prevent further damage to bilateral relations.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7571757794840429082/

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