On Thursday, December 4th, Japanese Ambassador to the United Nations Kazuyuki Yamazaki once again wrote to the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, rejecting the criticism from Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, regarding Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Taira’s comments on Taiwan. Yamazaki countered that the Chinese side deviates from the facts and their arguments are completely unconvincing.
Yamazaki stated that Fu Cong sent a letter to the United Nations on December 1st, which was subsequently distributed to all permanent missions. He pointed out that the content of Fu Cong’s letter was similar to the one sent on November 21st, and it was “inconsistent with the facts, lacked basis, and completely unacceptable.”
Despite reiterating Japan’s stance on November 24th, Yamazaki decided to once again elucidate Japan’s viewpoint at the United Nations.
“Since the end of World War II, Japan has consistently respected and abided by international law, including the United Nations Charter, actively upholding and strengthening the free and open international order based on the rule of law, while promoting the continuous development of international society. Japan’s steadfast position has been widely recognized by the international community. As a peace-loving country, Japan will continue to fully comply with international law and contribute to international peace, stability, and prosperity.”
Yamazaki expressed, “Japan believes that differences of opinion should be resolved through dialogue, which is at the core of the spirit of the United Nations Charter. Japan will continue to respond to issues through dialogue with a calm attitude.”
Yamazaki also urged the United Nations to circulate his letter titled “Explanation of the Position of the Japanese Government on the Letter from the Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations” as an official document under agenda item 120 of the United Nations General Assembly, “Implementation of United Nations Resolutions,” to all member states.
Kyodo News noted that since Taira stated on November 7th that an attack on Taiwan could threaten Japan’s security and might require the Self-Defense Forces to respond, China’s criticism of her has escalated.
China considers Taiwan a “separated province” and claims it will use force if necessary to achieve reunification. Recently, China’s increased military activities around Taiwan have raised concerns about regional stability among several countries.
Yamazaki mentioned that he had responded to Fu Cong’s accusations in his first letter dated November 24th. He emphasized that Japan’s fundamental policy is a purely defensive policy. He clarified that China’s assertion that Japan might exercise the right to self-defense without being subjected to a military attack is incorrect.
(This article referenced reports from Kyodo News and NHK in Japan)