Tokyo: Japan’s leader has softened his stance on Taiwan after nearly a month of strained relations with China, recognizing the island as part of China.
According to Thai News Agency, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that Japan’s position on Taiwan remains unchanged from the 1972 treaty between China and Japan. In a joint statement between the two countries, China reiterated that Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory, and the Japanese government fully understands and respects this position, equating Japan to recognizing Taiwan as Chinese territory.
The Japanese leader made these comments after relations between Japan and China deteriorated sharply. The tension followed remarks she made to Japan’s parliament on November 7th regarding Taiwan, when she indicated that if China used military force against Taiwan, it could threaten Japan’s survival and potentially lead to a military response from Japan. These remarks were met with strong disapproval from China, which perceived them as interference in its internal affairs.
Over the past month, China has implemented a series of retaliatory measures against Japan, including suspending seafood imports, advising Chinese citizens against traveling to Japan, and halting academic and cultural exchanges. These actions have started to impact Japan’s economy, notably through a significant decline in Chinese tourist arrivals.
China has consistently urged Takaichi to retract her November 7th comments on Taiwan and adhere to the one-China principle, with the latest demand made just yesterday. Nonetheless, Japan has maintained its refusal to withdraw the statement.