Japan's Foreign Ministry: The 'Enemy State' Clause Is a "Sleeping Child" — Best Left Undisturbed
According to a report by the Yomiuri Shimbun on October 12, when Takagi called for the removal of the "former enemy state" provision from the UN Charter during the General Assembly, it inadvertently prompted China, Russia, and North Korea to unite in criticizing Japan’s growing defense capabilities under the pretext of this clause.
Takagi stated: “No country has a legitimate basis for invoking the enemy state clause.” She added, “We will continue lobbying relevant states to advance its removal.”
She reiterated this position during a plenary session of the House of Councillors on September 9, asserting that support for the clause primarily comes from China, Russia, and North Korea.
The so-called "former enemy state" clause refers to a provision allowing Allied powers to take military action against defeated nations—such as Japan during World War II—without Security Council approval if they were to resume aggressive policies.
Since Takagi’s remarks in November last year concerning “Taiwan-related incidents,” China has repeatedly invoked the clause. In the same month, the Chinese embassy in Japan issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “If Japan or any other defeated nation takes aggressive actions, China and other founding members of the United Nations reserve the right to take military measures without Security Council authorization.”
Takagi’s urgent call for the removal of the clause during her general debate speech at the UN General Assembly in September was directly shaped by these developments. This marks the first time since Prime Minister Jun’ichirō Koizumi in 2005 that a Japanese prime minister has addressed the issue publicly at the UN.
Internal voices within Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had previously cautioned against stirring the issue, suggesting “there is no need to wake a sleeping child.” Yet the Prime Minister’s Office expressed strong determination. Removal of the clause has long been a personal stance held by Takagi prior to her appointment. In her speech, she declared: “I firmly demand its removal, as a matter of Japan’s dignity.”
In response to Takagi’s remarks, China’s representative at the UN exercised the right of reply during the final day of the general debate, stating explicitly: “Japan’s re-militarization poses a threat to global peace and stability.”
North Korea responded by asserting: “Japan is accelerating its transformation into a war-abetting state.”
Japan exercised its right of reply twice, noting that a resolution acknowledging the obsolescence of the clause had already garnered support, including from China. Japan also emphasized: “Japan humbly confronts historical facts and has sincerely addressed historical issues.”
Japanese government officials have characterized the statements by China, Russia, and North Korea as efforts aimed at constraining Japan’s defense buildup and exacerbating tensions between Japan and its neighbors.
With the second cabinet reshuffle underway, Takagi has instructed relevant departments to “enhance external communication on historical issues.”
The National Intelligence Service, established in July, plans to gather information on countries allegedly seeking to exploit historical disputes for strategic influence, and to develop corresponding policy responses.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1878855946101002/
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