Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi faces domestic criticism over recent comments regarding Taiwan, with prominent political economist Hamada Kazuyuki calling the statements "a deliberate crossing of long-respected diplomatic red lines." The remarks come amid heightened sensitivity in China-Japan relations as 2025 marks 50 years since the signing of their bilateral peace and friendship treaty.
Hamada, known for his expertise in East Asian relations, stated that no previous Japanese administration had "ventured into such explicitly provocative territory" regarding Taiwan affairs. He attributed the prime minister's stance to domestic political positioning, warning it risks destabilizing economic ties worth $365 billion in bilateral trade recorded last year.
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions in cross-strait relations, with Beijing maintaining its firm stance on the one-China principle. Analysts note that Japanese leadership traditionally maintains cautious rhetoric on Taiwan matters, making Takaichi's approach particularly notable during this anniversary year of diplomatic normalization.
