Group 1 - A gathering of political, academic, and civic leaders in Japan demanded Prime Minister Kishi Nobuo retract his erroneous statements regarding Taiwan to prevent further damage to Japan-China relations [1][3] - Former Ministry of Foreign Affairs official Sunzaki Takashi emphasized that the Taiwan issue is purely an internal matter for China and criticized Kishi's linkage of Taiwan to Japan's "survival crisis" as absurd [1][3] - Lawmaker Hiraoka Hideo stated that Kishi's statements, made to please his support base, are unacceptable and could lead to significant economic losses for Japan [3][4] Group 2 - Senator Ibo Yoichi expressed concerns over Japan's increasing military presence in the southwestern islands and the rising defense budget, which he believes could escalate regional tensions [3][4] - Senator Takara Saya suggested that Kishi's provocative remarks are intended to create an atmosphere for further military expansion and revision of Japan's security policies [3][4] - Professor Haba Kumiko highlighted Japan's historical colonial rule over Taiwan, urging the government to exercise caution in its statements regarding the Taiwan issue [4]

Group 1 - Japan has invested over 13 billion yen in Taiwan to cultivate pro-Japan individuals, according to reports [1] - Taiwan's foreign affairs department head Lin Jialong stated that Japan and Taiwan share similar ideologies and common interests [1] - The spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office, Zhang Han, criticized the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for its "pro-Japan and anti-Taiwan" stance, labeling it as disgraceful [3] Group 2 - Zhang Han emphasized that Taiwan issues are purely China's internal affairs and should not be interfered with by external forces [3] - He warned the DPP that their attempts to align with external powers for independence would lead to a dead end [3] - Zhang reiterated that there is only one China and Taiwan is a part of it, asserting that China's unification is an inevitable historical trend [3]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the articles revolves around former Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's criticism of the current administration led by Sanae Takaichi regarding its remarks on Taiwan, emphasizing the importance of maintaining diplomatic relations with China [1][2] - Ishiba highlighted the historical context of Japan's diplomatic stance towards China, noting that since the normalization of relations in 1972, Japanese governments have consistently respected China's position on Taiwan [1] - He pointed out the economic dependence of Japan on imports from China, including food, rare earths, and pharmaceuticals, urging for smoother diplomatic relations between Japan and China [1] Group 2 - Ishiba's comments reflect a broader concern about the potential negative impact of Takaichi's statements on Japan-China relations, suggesting that such remarks could lead to diplomatic tensions [2] - He criticized the tendency of politicians to make impulsive statements on sensitive diplomatic issues, indicating that careful consideration is necessary in foreign policy discussions [2] - The articles raise questions about whether Takaichi understands the implications of her statements on Japan's foreign relations, particularly with China [2]

Core Viewpoint - Former Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba criticized the cabinet of Sanae Takaichi, highlighting the importance of speaking out against government actions despite potential backlash from public opinion [1][3] Group 1: Criticism of Government - Ishiba's remarks were labeled as "backstabbing" by some in Japanese media, indicating a sensitive political climate where dissent is often met with criticism [1][3] - He referenced historical instances, such as the 1940 speech by former Congressman Takao Saito opposing the invasion of China, to illustrate the consequences of silence in the face of government decisions [3] Group 2: Japan-China Relations - Ishiba has previously criticized Takaichi's comments regarding Taiwan, arguing that deteriorating Japan-China relations could have severe implications for Japan's national interests [3] - He emphasized the necessity of maintaining a relationship with China, stating that Japan's existence is intertwined with its relationship with China since the normalization of diplomatic ties in 1972 [3]

Core Viewpoint - China firmly opposes Japan's challenge to the post-war international order and the revival of militarism, emphasizing the need for Japan to reflect on its actions and adhere to its commitments as a defeated nation in World War II [2][3]. Group 1: Japan's Actions and Statements - Japan's Permanent Representative to the UN made unreasonable claims in a letter to the UN Secretary-General, which China views as a blatant challenge to the outcomes of World War II and the post-war international order [2]. - The Japanese Prime Minister's comments regarding Taiwan are seen as a violation of the UN Charter and an implicit threat of military action against China, contradicting Japan's stated defense policies [2][3]. - Japan's defense spending has increased for thirteen consecutive years, and it has been loosening restrictions on military exports, which China interprets as a move to undermine international agreements established after World War II [2]. Group 2: China's Response - China has reiterated its position to the UN Secretary-General, urging Japan to reflect on its past and fulfill its obligations as a defeated nation, especially in light of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Anti-Japanese War [3]. - Any external interference in Taiwan affairs will be met with strong resistance from China, which asserts that Taiwan is an integral part of its territory [4]. - China encourages Japanese organizations to play a positive role domestically and hopes for a retraction of the Prime Minister's erroneous statements to foster better bilateral relations [5].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes China's strong opposition to Japan's provocative statements regarding Taiwan, asserting that such remarks challenge international order and violate the principles of the UN Charter [1][3]. Group 1: China's Position - China firmly criticizes Japanese Prime Minister Kishi Nobuo's remarks suggesting that Taiwan's situation could pose an existential threat to Japan, viewing this as a direct challenge to the outcomes of World War II and the post-war international order [1][2]. - The letter from China's UN representative highlights that Japan's claims of a consistent stance on Taiwan are vague and unsubstantiated, questioning Japan's commitment to its historical agreements regarding Taiwan [2][3]. Group 2: Japan's Defense Strategy - Japan's assertion of a passive defense strategy is contradicted by its linkage of Taiwan's situation to Japan's national security, which implies a potential military response against China, thus exceeding the bounds of its stated defense policy [2][4]. - The article points out that Japan has significantly increased its defense budget for thirteen consecutive years and is modifying its post-war policies to allow for arms exports and potential nuclear capabilities, indicating a shift away from its historical defense posture [4]. Group 3: International Relations and Trust - The article argues that the provocative statements from Japan have severely damaged mutual trust and the political foundation of Sino-Japanese relations, urging Japan to adhere to the One China principle and rectify its statements to foster stable relations [5]. - It warns that Japan's militarization and historical revisionism pose a threat to regional peace, calling for vigilance from the international community regarding Japan's military ambitions [4][5].

Core Viewpoint - Japanese opposition parties have criticized Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent remarks regarding Taiwan, urging her to retract her statements to avoid further damaging Japan-China relations [1] Group 1: Criticism from Opposition Parties - The head of the Constitutional Democratic Party's Policy Research Council, Tomoharu Honjo, stated that Takaichi's responses in the Diet reflect a lack of understanding of the "crisis situation" [1] - Honjo emphasized that Takaichi's comments deviate significantly from Japan's historical stance on Taiwan since the normalization of diplomatic relations with China in 1972 [1] - Japanese Communist Party Policy Committee Chairman Taku Yamazoe pointed out that Takaichi's statements could lead to serious consequences for Japan and violate the Japanese Constitution [1] Group 2: Calls for Retraction - Yamazoe highlighted that Takaichi's remarks contradict the 1972 Japan-China Joint Statement, which acknowledges Taiwan as part of China, and the 2008 political consensus of "mutual non-threat" [1] - He insisted that Takaichi must retract her statements to resolve the current diplomatic predicament [1] - Daishi Akiko, co-representative of the Reiwa Shinsengumi, criticized Takaichi's comments as "baseless" and urged the Japanese public to remain calm and not be incited [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article argues that Japan's claim of "undetermined status of Taiwan" reflects a misunderstanding of history and a misjudgment of reality, revealing Japan's intentions to militarily intervene in the Taiwan Strait [1][2]. Historical Context - Japan's occupation of Taiwan began in April 1895 through an unequal treaty, and the legal basis for Taiwan's return to China is established through international agreements such as the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation [1][2]. - The San Francisco Peace Treaty, cited by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, is criticized as an illegal document that contradicts established international law and the principles of the post-war order [2]. Japan's Historical Actions - The article highlights the dark history of Japanese colonial rule in Taiwan, including atrocities committed against the Taiwanese people, such as mass killings during the colonial period [3]. - It questions the implications of Takaichi's statement "Japan is back," suggesting that it could indicate a resurgence of militarism rather than a commitment to peace [3]. Taiwan's Status - Taiwan is emphasized as a core interest of China, with a strong assertion of China's capability and determination to counter any interference regarding Taiwan's status [4]. - The article warns Japanese politicians against provocative actions related to Taiwan, urging them to reflect on historical responsibilities [4].

Core Viewpoint - The recent political debate in Japan, particularly involving Prime Minister Kishi Sanae's comments on Taiwan, has raised significant concerns about Japan's political direction and its implications for Sino-Japanese relations [2][4][19]. Group 1: Political Context - Kishi Sanae's remarks regarding Taiwan being a "crisis for Japan's survival" have led to a deterioration in Sino-Japanese relations, prompting questions about her accountability for this shift [4][6]. - The debate highlighted a strategic ambiguity in Japan's political stance on Taiwan, with Kishi avoiding references to established political agreements between China and Japan [2][10]. - The opposition party, led by Noda Yoshihiko, has criticized Kishi's statements, indicating a potential political maneuvering rather than a straightforward confrontation [10][12]. Group 2: Reactions and Implications - Kishi did not retract her controversial statements but suggested they were spontaneous responses to specific situations, which has led to further speculation about her intentions [8][21]. - The use of the "San Francisco Peace Treaty" in her arguments has been deemed illegal and invalid, raising concerns about Japan's adherence to international agreements regarding Taiwan [23][25]. - Analysts suggest that Kishi's actions reflect a broader trend of rightward political shifts in Japan, with implications for national security and military policy [30][41]. Group 3: Military and Security Policy - Kishi's administration is pushing for an increase in defense spending and a revision of Japan's pacifist constitution, indicating a significant shift in Japan's military posture [35][41]. - The recent political developments have emboldened pro-independence sentiments in Taiwan, leading to increased military budgets and preparations in response to perceived threats from China [37][39]. - The Japanese government's recent decisions signal a departure from previous commitments to maintain a peaceful stance, raising alarms about a potential resurgence of militarism in Japan [45][50].

Group 1 - The core issue in Sino-Japanese relations is attributed to Japanese Prime Minister Kishi Nobuo's erroneous remarks regarding Taiwan, which have led to significant diplomatic tensions [1][2] - Japan's government is accused of evading responsibility for its actions and attempting to portray itself as a victim while blaming China for the deteriorating relations [1] - The article emphasizes that Japan's insistence on maintaining its stance despite China's serious objections is a major factor in escalating tensions [1][2] Group 2 - Historical context is highlighted, noting that genuine dialogue requires acknowledgment of past mistakes, which some Japanese politicians fail to do [2] - The article references former Japanese Prime Minister Hatoyama Yukio's call for Kishi to correct his stance, stressing that dialogue without reflection is meaningless and exacerbates divisions [2] - It is asserted that Taiwan is a core interest of China and that Japan must adhere to its commitments regarding Taiwan as outlined in four political documents, regardless of the ruling party [2]