Hundreds gathered outside Japan's Prime Minister's Office this week, demanding the resignation of Sanae Takaichi following her controversial statements about the Taiwan region. Protesters held signs reading 'Retract Your Remarks' and criticized what they called a reckless approach to cross-strait relations.
The backlash stems from Takaichi's recent Diet assertion that Japan could invoke collective self-defense if the Chinese mainland took military action toward Taiwan. Analysts note this marks a sharp departure from Tokyo's longstanding strategic ambiguity on the issue.
Domestic criticism has intensified since November 15, with former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba warning on TBS Radio that such declarations risk conflating Taiwan's situation with Japan's own security. Multiple parliamentary members have joined calls for retraction, while Chinese officials reiterated firm opposition to external interference in Taiwan affairs.
Observers suggest the controversy could impact Japan's diplomatic standing as regional powers navigate delicate cross-strait dynamics. The protests underscore growing public scrutiny of Tokyo's Taiwan policy amid heightened geopolitical tensions.
