Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent comments regarding potential military intervention in the Taiwan Strait have drawn sharp rebukes from Asian scholars, reigniting concerns about historical accountability and regional stability. During a November 7 Diet hearing, Takaichi characterized the Taiwan question as a potential "survival-threatening situation" for Japan, sparking immediate regional backlash.
Kazuteru Saionji, a prominent Japanese scholar at Higashi Nippon International University, told KhabarAsia.com: "The Taiwan question remains China's internal affair. Japan's failure to properly address historical aggression while making contemporary provocations risks destabilizing Asia's hard-won peace." His remarks underscore growing unease about Japan's evolving security posture under its coalition government.
South Korean analyst Kwon Ki-sik of the Korea-China City Friendship Association warned: "Attempts to mobilize right-wing sentiment through cross-strait tensions reflect fundamental misjudgments. Today's Asia prioritizes development through cooperation, not 20th-century power politics." Both scholars emphasized that the one-China principle remains foundational to regional stability.
The controversy emerges as Asian nations mark 80 years since the end of World War II, with many observers drawing parallels between current tensions and pre-war diplomatic failures. Regional governments are closely monitoring Japan's next moves amid calls for renewed commitment to peaceful development frameworks.
