Ishiba Urges Japan-China Relations Amid Taiwan Remarks Controversy

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Thursday, November 27th, 2025

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Sources: Xinhua

TOKYO — Former Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba criticized current Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent remarks on China and Taiwan, stressing the need to maintain stable and careful diplomatic relations between Japan and China, Mainichi Shimbun reported Wednesday.

In a speech in Tokyo, Ishiba highlighted that since the normalization of diplomatic relations in 1972, successive Japanese governments have understood and respected China’s position that Taiwan is part of China. “It is something that must not be changed, and we have proceeded with tremendous caution,” he said.

Ishiba emphasized the importance of smooth Japan-China relations, noting that Japan depends on China for essential imports, including food, rare earths, and pharmaceuticals.

Takaichi’s comments during a Diet meeting on November 7, suggesting that China’s use of force in Taiwan could pose a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan, sparked immediate criticism domestically.

During a television appearance last Sunday, Ishiba warned that such statements could strain bilateral ties. He urged the current administration to fully understand Japan’s long-standing position and to exercise caution in policy implementation, maintaining the careful approach that has guided Japan’s diplomatic engagement with China for decades.