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.)

By He Yin, People’s Daily

At the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) held in Belem, Brazil, saw intensive discussions and negotiations on critical climate issues as nations collectively worked toward identifying shared solutions to the ongoing climate crisis. 

As a proactive contributor and a responsible participant in global climate action, China has been participating in major agenda items and working with all stakeholders to ensure COP30 deliver positive and balanced outcomes. These efforts demonstrate China’s leading role in global climate governance and its image as a responsible major country, contributing greater stability and certainty to the global climate process.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, a critical juncture for global climate governance. The latest Emissions Gap Report 2025 released by the UN Environment Programme shows that the world is facing significant challenges in achieving the Paris Agreement’s key climate goals. A particularly concerning issue is the widening gap between climate-finance commitments and actual financial needs. Meanwhile, some countries remain reluctant to advance energy transitions, leaving the world grappling with a “double deficit” in both momentum and trust. 

At this moment, it is crucial for nations to uphold true multilateralism, strengthen solidarity and cooperation, adhere to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, and translate commitments into concrete action to ensure steady and sustained progress in global climate governance.

During COP30, China has played a positive and constructive role, working with all parties to support the Brazilian presidency in ensuring the conference’s success. China remains committed to helping chart the course and create conditions for global climate governance in the next decade, on the basis of upholding multilateralism and focusing on implementation. 

China hosted a series of side events at the China Pavilion, focusing on key themes such as China’s roadmap for carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, its energy transition, and new-energy development, sharing its experience and insights for global climate governance. As President of COP30 Andre Correa do Lago noted, China is developing solutions that benefit everyone.

Harmony between humanity and nature is a defining hallmark of Chinese modernization. China has made carbon peaking and carbon neutrality a national strategy, established the most systematic and comprehensive carbon reduction policy framework in the world, and built the largest and fastest-growing renewable energy system, the largest and most complete new energy industrial chain, and achieved the world’s largest and fastest promotion and adoption of new energy vehicles. As the world’s largest developing country, China will achieve the highest reduction in carbon emission intensity and complete the transition from peak carbon to carbon neutrality quicker than any other country. Its pursuit of green development continues to inject new momentum into global sustainable development. 

In tackling climate change, China remains a steadfast advocate of multilateralism, a strong proponent of international cooperation, a major contributor to low-carbon technologies, and an important leader in the global green transition. 

China has fully and proactively implemented the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement, making significant strides toward its 2030 nationally determined contributions (NDCs). Notably, China has already achieved key targets ahead of schedule, such as the total installed capacity of wind and solar power and increases in forest stock volume. 

By the end of October 2025, China had signed 55 memoranda of understanding on South-South cooperation to address climate change with 43 developing countries. Additionally, China has also submitted its 2035 NDC to the UNFCCC Secretariat, which for the first time cover all economic sectors and all greenhouse gases. 

China’s growing influence in the global energy transition has been widely acknowledged by the international community. It has made significant contributions to global climate response, particularly in supporting developing countries, and has inspired other nations to jointly pursue a more sustainable future. As a responsible major country, China has become a pivotal leader in global climate governance through its substantive actions and commitments.

Climate change presents a global challenge demanding collective action from all sides. China will continue accelerating its comprehensive transition toward green and low-carbon development to strengthen its contribution to addressing climate change. Developed countries, for their part, must uphold their historical responsibilities, lead efforts in reducing emissions, and provide developing countries with sufficient financial, technological, and capacity-building support. 

It is hoped that all parties can build on the outcomes of COP30, advance climate multilateralism, accelerate the global transition toward green and low-carbon development, and work together toward a clean, more sustainable world that benefits all humanity.