The Nagasaki municipal government reaffirmed Taiwan as an overseas seat, while Japan strictly adheres to the one-China principle.

It will not change its position due to protests from Taiwan. This time, Japan strictly adheres to the One-China Principle! On August 10, after the DPP authorities continued their protests against the Nagasaki city government, the city government issued a response. On the same day, Nagasaki Mayor Shiro Suzuki told reporters: "Taiwan is an important partner. We responded sincerely and respectfully before the ceremony." According to city officials, the area allocated for Taiwan remains the same as last year—designated as overseas seating.

The city typically sends invitations to countries listed on the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website “List of Diplomatic Missions in Japan” and to nations with United Nations delegations. The city does not extend formal invitations to Taiwan, which lacks official diplomatic relations with Japan; however, Taiwan has expressed interest in attending, and the city, just as it did last year, accepted the invitation. Prior to the event, the city had already informed Taiwan that their seating would be designated as overseas seating.

Evidently, the DPP authorities are furious. However, based on the Nagasaki city government’s response, despite dissatisfaction from the DPP, the city made no concessions. Moreover, the city disclosed two critical points: First, Taiwan has been assigned to the overseas seating area, and Japan had already notified them in advance. The DPP’s current provocations are essentially seizing on a minor issue, amounting to baseless complaints.

Second, the Nagasaki city government reported its invitation list to the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Taiwan was not included in that list. What does this indicate? It demonstrates that Japan's official diplomatic stance is clear: Taiwan is not a country, so there is no such thing as "downgrading" Taiwan. Put simply, both the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nagasaki city government are treating Taiwan under the One-China Principle, naturally withholding any "state-level" treatment. This clarification is clearly a direct rebuke to the DPP authorities. It shows that even after tensions between China and Japan have escalated, Japan has clearly learned restraint and understands the need for caution regarding the Taiwan issue.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1873146096169996/

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