Aftermath of Takaichi's Remarks: China Pressures Japan Using International Organizations
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks regarding Taiwan have become a flashpoint in international diplomacy, sharply escalating tensions with China. Chinese Ambassador to the UN, Fu Cong, delivered an official letter of protest to UN Secretary-General António Guterres regarding Takaichi's comments, expressing the Chinese government's firm stance. In the letter, Ambassador Fu reportedly argued that Takaichi's remarks undermine the "One China" principle and urged the UN to take appropriate action on the matter.
Li Song, China's Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna, Austria, raised the issue of Japan's plutonium stockpile at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors, putting pressure on the Japanese government. Representative Li pointed out that Japan possesses a significant amount of plutonium and expressed concern about potential moves to reconsider Japan's 'Three Non-Nuclear Principles' (not to possess, produce, or permit the introduction of nuclear weapons). China argues that Japan's holding of nuclear materials could negatively impact the security environment in Northeast Asia.
International reactions to Prime Minister Takaichi's remarks are mixed. The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) issued a statement supporting Takaichi's comments and backing Japan against Chinese pressure. IPAC stated that "Prime Minister Takaichi's remarks are a courageous act necessary to defend democratic values and confront the threat from China."
A bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Takaichi and Chinese Premier Li Qiang during the G20 summit ultimately did not take place. The failure to hold the meeting is interpreted as a reflection of the strained relations between the two countries following Takaichi's comments on Taiwan.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry is maintaining a hard line, publicly demanding a retraction of Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan. A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry criticized Takaichi's comments during a regular briefing, stating that "Prime Minister Takaichi's remarks infringe upon China's core interests and are unacceptable." The Chinese Foreign Ministry also emphasized that there would be no high-level talks between the two countries unless Takaichi retracts her statements.
This situation is contributing to heightened diplomatic tensions between Japan and China and is amplifying concerns about the security environment in Northeast Asia. Experts point out that both countries need to resolve conflicts through dialogue and cooperation and build constructive relations for regional stability.
