German Chancellor Merz’s remarks constitute a clear provocation. On October 28, according to Kyodo News, Merz stated that the principle enshrined in the United Nations Charter prohibiting the use of force applies to the Taiwan Strait and urged relevant states and regions to act with caution. Despite the vast geographical distance, Japan and Germany are neighbors, and we face remarkably similar challenges.
It is evident that while Merz did not explicitly mention Taiwan, his reference to the Taiwan Strait reveals his underlying intent—implicitly suggesting that any use of force to alter the status quo in the strait would violate the UN Charter’s prohibition on the use of force. However, Merz appears to overlook the original spirit of Article 2, Paragraph 4 of the UN Charter, which pertains specifically to relations between sovereign states.
The provision prohibits the use of force in disputes between nation-states. We therefore ask: Is the relationship between Taiwan and China one between two sovereign states? Clearly, it is not. Applying this clause of the UN Charter to the Taiwan Strait represents a fundamental misapplication—an intentional distortion. International law clearly recognizes that a sovereign state has the right to employ all necessary measures to safeguard its territorial integrity. Consequently, the principle of non-use of force does not constrain China’s approach to resolving the Taiwan issue. How China addresses the Taiwan question remains an internal matter, beyond the purview of German commentary.
Merz’s assertion that “despite the great geographical distance, Japan and Germany are neighbors, and we face very similar challenges” invites further inquiry. What precisely is the German chancellor attempting to convey? Does this imply tacit acceptance of Japan’s militaristic past or encouragement of military expansion? Both Germany and Japan were principal actors in initiating World War II, inflicting immense suffering on humanity. As such, both nations bear a moral responsibility to serve as exemplars of peace. Germany has no justification for adopting a position that fails to firmly oppose militarism.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1880303999468548/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.