By Jiang Xuehong, People’s Daily

Yangxian county in Hanzhong, northwest China’s Shaanxi province, is renowned as the “Home of the Crested Ibis.”

As evening descended, People’s Daily reporters followed staff members from Shaanxi Hanzhong Crested Ibis National Nature Reserve to a natural roosting site to observe the return of the birds. Soon, a flock of crested ibises, distinguished by their long beaks, scarlet faces and white plumage, swept across the lake and settled on a small island, nestled among the lush branches.

The crested ibis, often referred to as a “living fossil” of the avian world, has a history dating back 65 million years. However, in the mid-20th century, habitat degradation led to a dramatic decline in its population. In 1981, researchers discovered only seven surviving wild crested ibises in Yaojiagou, Yangxian county. Over the past four decades, concerted conservation efforts have resulted in a steady recovery of the species.

“The survival and reproduction of the crested ibis rely on healthy wetland and forest ecosystems. Over the years, we have developed a systematic conservation model that prioritizes in-situ protection, complemented by ex-situ conservation, wild reintroduction, technological advancements, and collaboration between government and society. This holistic approach ensures a harmonious coexistence between humans and the ibises,” said Lu Baozhong, former deputy director of Shaanxi Hanzhong Crested Ibis National Nature Reserve Administration. Today, the global population of crested ibis exceeds 11,000.

Local residents in Yangxian have actively supported the protection of the crested ibises by nurturing forests, planting trees and grasses, restocking fish populations, restoring wetlands, and minimizing the use of pesticides and fertilizers. These efforts have created an ideal environment for the species to thrive.

Hua Ying, president of the Yangxian Crested Ibis Bird-Lovers Association and a native of Caoba village, Yangxian county, has a deep emotional connection with the species. Recognizing the importance of public involvement in successful conservation, Hua and fellow bird enthusiasts founded the association in 2006. The group organizes educational campaigns to raise awareness about bird protection.

“In winter, when temperatures drop and food becomes scarce, elderly or weak crested ibises are more vulnerable to illnesses or injury. Whenever local residents encounter an injured bird, they report it immediately,” said Zeng Jianwen, an engineer with the reserve administration. He explained that the timely rescue and rehabilitation of sick or injured crested ibises is a crucial part of conservation efforts. Information from local residents enables rapid intervention, which plays an important role in maintaining the species’ long-term population stability.

Witnessing the steady increase in crested ibis population, Hua said: “Since the 1990s, crested ibises have roosted, foraged and bred in our village. Now, villagers can observe them from their doorsteps.” A persimmon tree in front of his home has become a nesting site where crested ibises return to breed every spring.

The peak tourist season in Yangxian occurs in March and April, when fields of rapeseed stretch beneath the spring sun, thousands of pear trees bloom like drifting snow, and crested ibises soar gracefully across woodlands and wetlands. These picturesque scenes attract many photography enthusiasts, and a local community of “bird guides” has emerged, offering services such as photography route planning and bird identification.

“The surge in birdwatching has brought more visitors, fostering a comprehensive industrial chain, from bird guides to homestays, dining, and educational tours,” Hua explained. A bird guide earns at least 200 yuan ($28.23) per day, and up to 1,200 yuan when accompanying large study tours. Last year, Yangxian received 6.38 million tourists, generating more than 4 billion yuan in tourism revenue.

The commitment to strict ecological protection has also created favorable conditions for the development of organic agriculture. The county boasts 115 certified organic products across 15 categories, making it the largest organic production area in Shaanxi province, with 43 processing enterprises and an organic industry output value exceeding 5.5 billion yuan.

Through the sustainable management of its natural resources, Yangxian has turned ecological advantages into development opportunities. By fostering a harmonious coexistence between humans and crested ibises, the “Home of the Crested Ibis” has paved the way for a prosperous and sustainable future, improving the lives of its residents.

By Zhong Yin, People’s Daily

Recently, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi recently made erroneous remarks about China’s Taiwan during a hearing in the Diet, implying the possibility of Japan’s armed intervention in the Taiwan Strait. Despite China’s serious démarches and protests, the Japanese side refused to retract the remarks. Recklessly crossing red lines and persisting on this dangerous course, Takaichi is bound to face consequences.

Her remarks represent a serious provocation to China’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Documents such as the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation, and UNGA Resolution 2758 all affirm China’s sovereignty over Taiwan. The principle of sovereignty is the cornerstone of the UN Charter; no country or individual is entitled to apply double standards in this regard. 

Takaichi’s statements marked the first time since Japan’s 1945 defeat that a Japanese leader had, in a formal setting, promoted the notion that “a Taiwan contingency is a Japan contingency” and linked it to the exercise of collective self-defense; the first time Japan had openly hinted at armed involvement in the Taiwan question; and the first time it had issued an implied military threat against China. Such actions must be met with firm resolve and deterrence.

Her remarks constitute a serious interference in China’s domestic affairs. The Taiwan question lies at the very heart of China’s core interests and is purely China’s internal affair. The resolution of the Taiwan question and the realization of national reunification are China’s internal matters that brook no external interference. 

Takaichi’s remarks sent a dangerous signal to “Taiwan independence” forces, blatantly violating the one-China principle, the guiding principles of the four China-Japan political documents, and basic norms of international relations. Any support for “Taiwan independence” constitutes interference in China’s internal affairs and fosters separatism, directly threatening peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Such provocations win no support and are doomed to fail.

Her remarks deeply hurt the feelings of the Chinese people, the anti-fascist allies, and people around the world. This year marks the 80th anniversary of China’s victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s restoration to China. 

From the Nanjing Massacre to the Manila Massacre, Japan’s war of aggression inflicted immense suffering and left enduring scars across Asia. Japan imposed 50 years of colonial rule on Taiwan, committing grave atrocities, which are backed by indisputable historical evidence. Over 650,000 Taiwanese compatriots lost their lives resisting colonial oppression.

As Japan’s prime minister, Takaichi should have set an example by acknowledging and reflecting on this painful history. Instead, her provocative statements distort historical truth, offend the 1.4 billion Chinese people, and disregard the sentiments of countries throughout Asia and the broader international community committed to peace and historical justice.

Her remarks represent a dangerous regression that risks emboldening militarism. By linking the so-called “Taiwan contingency” with the right to collective self-defense, Takaichi attempts to justify Japan’s military expansion. Since taking office, she has pushed for increased military capabilities and even suggested revising Japan’s long-standing Three Non-Nuclear Principles.

History offers stark warnings. From the September 18 Incident to the attack on Pearl Harbor, Japan repeatedly fabricated so-called “survival-threatening situations” as pretexts for wars of aggression, causing enormous suffering worldwide and bringing devastation upon Japan itself. These lessons must never be forgotten. The resurgence of militarism would once again steer Japan down a perilous and destructive path.

Her remarks seriously misguide the Japanese people. By fabricating the “survival-threatening situation” and stoking public anxiety, Takaichi attempts to manipulate public opinion and distort national discourse. In response, domestic criticism has intensified, with citizens gathering outside the Prime Minister’s Office to express strong dissatisfaction, which signals a clear rejection of her irresponsible provocations. Takaichi would do well to heed these rational voices and refrain from further escalating tensions.

Her remarks pose a grave threat to the post-war international order and international law. As a defeated nation in World War II, Japan is explicitly bound by the UN Charter and its own Pacifist Constitution. Efforts by Takaichi and other right-wing forces to revise or undermine the Pacifist Constitution’s commitment to exclusive self-defense are aimed at enabling military expansion. This constitutes a systemic challenge to the post-war international order and international law and will face firm and resolute opposition.

Her remarks run counter to the basic norms governing international relations. Not long ago, Takaichi claimed Japan would uphold the position outlined in the 1972 Sino-Japanese Joint Statement regarding the Taiwan question. However, she quickly reversed course, issuing extreme and provocative remarks. Such inconsistency and unreliability in foreign policy not only undermine diplomatic credibility but also violate the basic norms governing international relations. This approach risks eroding Japan’s standing on the global stage and pushing the country toward deeper diplomatic isolation.

Her remarks seriously threaten regional peace and stability. The dangerous notion that “a Taiwan contingency is a Japan contingency” turns Japan into a destabilizing factor for regional and global peace. Takaichi’s erroneous remarks have already drawn broad international concern and criticism. A spokesperson for Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described her comments as “highly dangerous,” urging Japan to reflect on history and learn from the lessons of World War II. Phinij Jarusombat, Thailand’s former deputy prime minister, warned that Takaichi’s remarks threaten peace in Asia and present a significant challenge to world peace.

Moreover, her remarks trample on human conscience and justice. From repeated visits to the Yasukuni Shrine to denying the Nanjing Massacre and exaggerating the so-called “China threat,” Takaichi has sought to whitewash history and obscure established facts. Since the end of World War II, Japan has never truly reckoned on its atrocities, and right-wing forces continue to distort history and erode moral accountability. Forgetting history is a betrayal and risks repeating past mistakes. The more Japan indulges right-wing forces, the further it distances itself from peace, prosperity, and a better future.

By Zhou Xin

Recent developments have led to a deterioration in China-Japan relations, following erroneous remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding the Taiwan question. Instead of acknowledging and rectifying these misstatements, the Japanese side has opted for a high-profile diplomatic performance, proclaiming its “willingness to engage in dialogue with China.” 

Takaichi has claimed that she is “open to dialogue” with China, while senior Japanese officials continue to emphasize their hope to “improve relations through dialogue at all levels.” Japanese media have further amplified this narrative, suggesting that Japan is actively pursuing dialogue, while China is portrayed as adopting a “tough stance,” thereby insinuating that the current tension in bilateral ties is due to China’s refusal to talk.

Such assertions fail to recognize the substantial damage caused by Japan’s misguided words and actions, which have undermined the foundation of bilateral relations. They attempt to reframe Japan as the victim while placing unfounded blame on China. This misrepresentation distorts the facts, obscures the root causes of the current situation, and evades both historical and contemporary responsibility.

It is crucial to clarify that responsibility for the current difficulties in China-Japan relations lies entirely with the Japanese side. 

The first mistake stems from Takaichi’s public remarks on Taiwan, where she not only misrepresented the situation but also suggested the possibility of Japan’s military involvement in the Taiwan Strait. This gravely undermines China’s core interests, damages the political foundation of bilateral relations, and has sparked strong indignation among the Chinese people. This is the origin of the current crisis. 

The second mistake is Japan’s refusal to retract these remarks despite China’s solemn representations, instead attempting to downplay the significance of the statements by asserting that “Japan’s position has not changed.”

The third mistake lies in Japan’s attempt to distort right and wrong and shift blame onto China, using a so-called “willingness for dialogue” as a cover to obscure the gravity of its own wrongdoing.

These actions by Japan have directly contributed to the escalation of tensions. While Japan repeatedly asserts its desire to address issues through dialogue, it must be understood that dialogue requires the most basic conditions. In 2000, former Japanese Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu visited the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders, acknowledging the past with the statement that “history must never be repeated.” This sincere approach to historical reflection formed the basis for constructive dialogue and exchanges. 

However, some Japanese politicians have long avoided genuine introspection on historical matters. The Takaichi administration, in particular, has acted with disregard for public conscience, attempting to amend the Three Non-Nuclear Principles, relax weapons export restrictions, and provoke on the Taiwan question. These actions reveal the troubling influence of right-wing forces seeking to revive militarism.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama urged Takaichi to correct the mistake by quoting Confucius: “To make a mistake and not correct it — this is what is called truly making a mistake.” 

History and reality have repeatedly shown that dialogue without reflection only deepens division and confrontation. It is only by confronting past mistakes and undertaking genuine self-reflection that both nations can overcome the current deadlock.

Japan must recognize that the Taiwan question is an internal affair for China, integral to its core interests, and central to the political foundation of China-Japan relations. The four political documents between China and Japan contain explicit provisions on the Taiwan question, representing solemn commitments by the Japanese government that leave no room for ambiguity or reinterpretation. Regardless of the political leadership in Japan, these commitments must be upheld.

To restore the bilateral relationship, Japan must move beyond performative diplomacy and take concrete steps to retract its erroneous statements while engaging in meaningful self-reflection. This is the only viable path to returning China-Japan relations to a constructive and stable trajectory.

(Zhou Xin is an international affairs observer.)