In a letter sent to the United Nations Secretary-General on Monday (November 24), Japanese Ambassador to the United Nations Kazuyuki Yamazaki rebutted China’s demand for Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to retract statements regarding the emergency situation in Taiwan.
Yamazaki stated in the letter that Japan’s basic defense policy is a passive defense strategy focused on defense, contrary to China’s claim. He also denounced the Chinese ambassador’s claim that “even without armed attacks, Japan would exercise its right to self-defense” as “incorrect.” He criticized the contents of the Chinese letter as “inconsistent with the facts, unverified,” and spreading misinformation about Takaichi’s remarks on Taiwan.
Since the publication of the “Japan-China Joint Communique” in 1972 establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries, Yamazaki emphasized that Japan’s stance on the Taiwan issue has remained unchanged. Tokyo hopes for a peaceful resolution of the Taiwan issue through dialogue.
Regarding China’s suspension of civilian and economic exchanges between China and Japan, including seafood trade, Yamazaki stated that Japan will handle the matter through dialogue and in a calm and rational manner.
Yamazaki also expressed Japan’s concern over China’s military expansion and increasingly assertive stance in the Asia-Pacific region. He wrote, “Regrettably, in the contemporary world, some countries have long expanded their military capabilities in opaque ways. Moreover, despite opposition from neighboring countries, some countries continue to try to unilaterally change the status quo through force or coercion.”
Japanese government spokesperson Minoru Kihara reiterated these views on Tuesday (November 25), stating, “We cannot accept China’s presentation of incorrect facts. I believe it is necessary for the Japanese government to firmly refute and convey this position.”
Kihara added, “Japan maintains an open position towards various forms of dialogue.” “Japan will continue to strengthen its relationship of trust with its ally, the United States, to ensure that China fulfills its responsibilities.”
During questioning in parliament on November 7, Takaichi shifted Japan’s long-standing ambiguous stance on the Taiwan issue, stating that if China were to launch an attack on Taiwan, located just about 100 kilometers (60 miles) from Japan, or pose a “threat to Japan’s survival,” Japan might deploy its military with other countries. This prompted a backlash from China and economic pressure to retract the statements, which was refused.
According to Kyodo News, China interpreted Takaichi’s remarks as suggesting that if China were to implement a maritime blockade or other forms of coercion against Taiwan, the Japanese government might authorize the Self-Defense Forces to take military action in support of its American ally. In a letter to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres last week, Chinese Ambassador Fu Cong summarized that Takaichi’s remarks were the “first time Japan had threatened to use force against China.”
The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Japan’s commitment to peace remains unchanged and refuted China’s claims as “completely unacceptable.”
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stated on Monday that as tensions escalate between China and Japan, it is crucial to alleviate the situation through dialogue. Regarding how the UN will handle the contents of Fu Cong’s letter, Dujarric stated that the UN will fulfill its responsibilities and share the letter with member states.
(This article referenced reports from Kyodo News and Bloomberg News)