Japanese opposition leaders have intensified pressure on Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to withdraw her recent comments about the Taiwan region, warning of escalating diplomatic tensions with China. The controversy erupted after Takaichi's parliamentary statements regarding Japan's security posture toward the island, which critics argue contravene decades of bilateral agreements.
Constitutional Democratic Party policy chief Satoshi Honjo emphasized on NHK that Takaichi's interpretation of 'survival-threatening situations' under Japanese law dangerously misrepresents both legal frameworks and historical context. 'This contradicts Japan's consistent position since the 1972 normalization of China-Japan relations,' Honjo stated during a Sunday broadcast.
Japanese Communist Party policy head Taku Yamazoe highlighted constitutional concerns, noting: 'The prime minister's remarks ignore our 1972 commitment to respect China's territorial integrity and directly challenge the 2008 joint statement affirming mutual non-aggression.' Yamazoe warned the comments could trigger 'unpredictable consequences' for regional stability.
Reiwa Shinsengumi co-leader Akiko Oishi joined the criticism, urging citizens to reject 'inflammatory rhetoric' that risks dragging Japan into cross-strait tensions. The unified opposition demand comes as Beijing reportedly prepares formal diplomatic protests.
Analysts suggest the controversy could impact ongoing negotiations for a proposed Japan-China maritime communication mechanism, a key confidence-building measure discussed earlier this year.
