China repeats call for Japan to retract Taiwan comments

(MENAFN) China has reiterated its call for Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to withdraw her remarks concerning Taiwan, according to general reports citing state media. A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Lin Jian, stated, "China's attitude is clear. China urges the Japanese side to genuinely reflect and correct its mistakes and to retract Takaichi's erroneous remarks."

The remarks come after Takaichi, during a parliamentary session on Wednesday, referenced the Sino-Japanese Joint Statement and said she "understands and respects" China’s position that Taiwan is an inseparable part of Chinese territory. Lin criticized her response, noting that "In the face of China's repeated questions in recent days as well as criticism from within Japan and from the international community, Takaichi still attempts to brush things off by merely saying that Japan's position 'has not changed.'" He added, "China absolutely won't accept this."

China’s statement follows Takaichi’s comments last month that any Chinese military action against Taiwan, including a naval blockade, could create a “survival-threatening situation” that would allow Japan to “exercise its right to collective self-defense.”

Takaichi, elected Japan’s first female premier in October, later stated she “denied her intention” to retract the remarks, telling lawmakers she had spoken “under the assumption of a worst-case scenario.”

Lin questioned Japan’s stance, asking, "Why is the Japanese side deliberately refusing to spell out its existing commitments and legal obligations? What is the logic and intention behind this?" He emphasized that "Japan also needs to give an explanation to China and to the international community."

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