China has called on Japan to explicitly reaffirm its adherence to the one-China principle following controversial remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding the Taiwan region. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated on Wednesday that Tokyo’s assertion of an “unchanged” position is insufficient, demanding concrete actions to correct what Beijing views as interference in its internal affairs.
The remarks came after Japan’s Cabinet approved a statement on Tuesday defending Takaichi’s recent parliamentary comments, claiming they did not alter Tokyo’s long-standing policy. Mao countered that such statements “seriously violated” the spirit of bilateral agreements and undermined the political foundation of China-Japan relations.
“Taiwan is China’s Taiwan. Japan has no right to make irresponsible remarks, let alone intervene,” Mao emphasized during a regular press briefing. She urged Tokyo to withdraw its “erroneous statements” and honor historical commitments, stressing that the Taiwan question remains a “core interest” affecting regional stability.
The diplomatic friction highlights growing tensions in cross-strait discourse this year, with Beijing intensifying efforts to counter perceived challenges to its sovereignty. Analysts suggest Japan’s ambiguous language risks complicating economic ties in Asia, where both nations play pivotal roles in trade and security frameworks.
