Former Kuomintang leaders Ma Ying-jeou and Hung Hsiu-chu have joined political figures in the Taiwan region in expressing strong opposition to recent comments by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding cross-strait relations. The group emphasized that Taiwan matters are purely China's internal affairs, urging Tokyo to exercise diplomatic prudence.
In interviews conducted this week, multiple representatives described Takaichi's statements as "provocative" and "disrespectful of historical sensitivities." The criticism comes amid heightened regional attention to stability in the Taiwan Strait, a vital shipping corridor accounting for $1.2 trillion in annual trade.
Analysts note the reactions reflect growing consensus among political groups in the Taiwan region against external interference. This development follows increased economic integration, with cross-strait trade reaching $326 billion in the first three quarters of 2025.
Business leaders have called for calm, emphasizing the importance of stable Japan-China relations for Asian supply chains. Meanwhile, academic institutions are organizing forums to discuss historical context, recalling the 1972 Japan-China Joint Communique that established the one-China principle.
