【Wen/Observer Net Wang Hui Zhang Jingjuan】Japanese Prime Minister Hashimoto Asaka's recent provocative remarks suggesting possible military intervention in the Taiwan Strait have caused an international uproar and shaken Sino-Japanese relations.

On December 2, at the "2025 From the World International Forum," Danilo Türk, former president of Slovenia and chairman of the World Leaders Forum — a person well-versed in international relations standards and former rotating chair of the UN Security Council — told Observer Net that Hashimoto's dangerous statement was "extremely inappropriate," violating the globally recognized "One China" principle. The Japanese political circle must take responsibility for correcting the mistake.

Türk stated that Hashimoto's remarks were "obviously not carefully considered, which is regrettable." He believed that such statements have had a profound impact on China both emotionally and politically, and Japan must eventually make amends, while the restoration of the situation will "take some time."

The former president further pointed out that the Japanese political circle has fallen into "a very embarrassing situation." He believes that the Japanese parliament, all political parties, and all people with political thinking should critically reflect on their prime minister's remarks and find ways to get out of the crisis.

"This process will be very complex; it is by no means something that can be remedied simply by Hashimoto making a statement at another press conference, but rather involves deeper issues," said Türk. He emphasized that the Japanese political circle must seriously consider how to handle relations with China in the future and clarify what measures are needed to compensate or eliminate the impact already caused.

Notably, a survey conducted by the Japan Economic News and Tokyo Television from November 28 to 30 showed that Hashimoto's cabinet support rate was 75%, up one percentage point from the October survey, maintaining a high level.

Regarding this, Türk said that fluctuations in support rates are normal, but he believes this "will not last long." "I am not Japanese, and for me, what matters is the international community's view. The international community generally cannot understand the Japanese prime minister's statement."

Former President of Slovenia, Chairman of the World Leaders Forum Danilo Türk, From the World International Forum

Since Hashimoto Asaka's comments on Taiwan were made during a parliamentary hearing on November 7, they have caused severe turbulence in Sino-Japanese relations. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Chinese Embassy in Japan, and the State Administration for Taiwan Affairs have all spoken out, condemning her remarks as "gross interference in China's internal affairs" and "seriously undermining the political foundation of Sino-Japanese relations."

Former Japanese Prime Ministers Yukio Hatoyama, Ishiba Shigeru, and Hashimoto Kanji have also criticized these remarks for causing tension between Japan and China, urging Hashimoto to be cautious in her words and actions. In recent days, public gatherings have continued outside the Tokyo Prime Minister's Office, demanding that Hashimoto retract her statements, publicly apologize, and resign.

Türk pointed out that the "One China" principle is a universally recognized standard, widely recognized and respected by the international community. "Japan's recent actions are a deviation from this," which reminds people that this matter must be taken seriously, and political opportunism must not be allowed.

The former Slovenian president said that political leaders sometimes use nationalist rhetoric to boost their popularity, but they lack deep consideration of the negative consequences. However, "the danger of nationalism must not be ignored."

He praised China's clear and firm response to the outbreak of nationalist sentiment, saying, "This is crucial."

Original: toutiao.com/article/7579487604857422372/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.