Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has triggered one of the most severe diplomatic crises in China-Japan relations since 1972 by suggesting potential military intervention regarding Taiwan. Her recent assertion that Japan's Self-Defence Forces could respond to Chinese mainland actions in the Taiwan region marks a radical departure from decades of bilateral agreements.
Historical records show clear consensus: The 1943 Cairo Declaration and 1945 Potsdam Proclamation legally established Taiwan's return to China after Japanese occupation. This principle has been reaffirmed through four key political documents between Beijing and Tokyo since diplomatic normalization in 1972, including explicit Japanese recognition of Taiwan as an inseparable part of China.
Analysts note Takaichi's comments directly contradict Article 8 of the Potsdam Proclamation and the 1972 Joint Communique. A recent CGTN poll reveals 86.1% of global respondents view this stance as undermining bilateral trust, while 88.9% consider it a threat to regional stability.
The timing proves particularly sensitive as 2025 marks 80 years since Taiwan's restoration to China following World War II. Observers warn that linking Taiwan's status to Japan's 'existential security' risks unraveling the political framework that has maintained peace between Asia's second- and third-largest economies for generations.
As tensions escalate, regional governments are urging diplomatic restraint. The development comes amid growing international calls for adherence to the one-China principle, recognized by 183 UN member states including Japan.
