Ma Ying-jeou on Sanae Takaichi's recent remarks on Taiwan

Former leader of Taiwan calls the Japanese Prime Minister's words "rash" and "escalatory"

The bilateral relations between China and Japan have rapidly dived into a severe crisis after Sanae Takaichi, the new Japanese Prime Minister, said at a Parliamentary session last Friday (July 7), according to Kyodo, the Japanese news agency

TOKYO - Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Friday that a Taiwan emergency involving the use of military force could constitute a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan under the country’s security legislation.

Her remarks suggested Japan could exercise the right of collective self-defense if such a situation is recognized as “survival-threatening,” even under the nation’s war-renouncing Constitution, in a move that would provoke China, which claims the self-ruled island as its territory.

She apparently acknowledged her government could, depending on the circumstances, authorize the Self-Defense Forces to take action if China were to impose a maritime blockade on Taiwan or engage in other coercive measures, even if Japan is not directly attacked.

Takaichi, who took office on Oct. 21, is known as a pro-Taiwan lawmaker. She is also viewed as a successor in her outlook to assassinated former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whose hawkish views on national security have shaped her nationalistic stance.

She has since refused to withdraw her remarks.

In response, Sun Weidong, China’s vice foreign minister in charge of Asia, has, apparently under the instruction of the Chinese President Xi Jinping, summoned the Japanese ambassador, Kanasugi Kenji, in Beijing late at night on Thursday to lodge a strong protest.

China’s foreign ministry also issued a travel alert for Chinese citizens, urging them not to travel to Japan.

A social media account operated by China’s state broadcaster, often used in recent years to convey yet-to-be announced official plans, today threatened to impose sanctions on Japanese politicians individually and suspend government-to-government exchanges in military, diplomatic, and economic areas between the two countries if Tokyo didn’t meet Beijing’s demand to withdraw the remarks.

That’s just the background of the following social media post today by Ma Ying-jeou, former leader of Taiwan - officially President of the Republic of China - from 2008 to 2016

Recently, after witnessing Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s rash and escalatory remarks—misusing the concept of “collective self-defense” and stirring tensions in the Taiwan Strait, which provoked a strong reaction from the mainland—I felt deeply concerned and compelled to speak out.

To begin with, unlike previous Japanese prime ministers who exercised caution on cross-Strait issues, Takaichi declared that “a contingency in Taiwan could constitute a survival-threatening situation for Japan under which collective self-defense may be exercised,” implicitly suggesting possible military involvement in the Taiwan Strait. Even within Japan, such assertions are contested. Former prime minister Shigeru Ishiba, in a radio interview, warned against Takaichi’s categorical statements, noting that successive Japanese governments have traditionally adopted far more prudence on matters related to Taiwan.

Second, Takaichi’s eagerness to intervene in Taiwan affairs inevitably evokes concerns about a revival of right-wing militarism in Japan. This year marks the 80th anniversary of victory in China’s War of Resistance Against Japan and the restoration of Taiwan. The wounds inflicted on the Chinese nation by Japan’s wartime aggression have yet to fully heal. At such a sensitive moment, for Takaichi to make remarks tacitly hinting at armed involvement in the Taiwan Strait further inflames sentiments on the mainland. This is an extremely unwise move—and one that undermines the interests of the Taiwanese people who long for peace and stability in the Strait.

Third, Takaichi has also misrepresented the concept of “collective self-defense.” Under the U.S.–Japan security framework, a so-called “survival-threatening situation” for Japan must first be discussed with the United States. It is evident that Takaichi did not consult Washington. Consequently, her controversial statements received no U.S. endorsement. The State Department merely reiterated its opposition to unilateral changes to the status quo. President Donald Trump even remarked that “many of our allies are not our friends.”

On August 5, 2012, in an effort to ease tensions over the Diaoyutai Islands, I attended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ “60th Anniversary of the Entry into Force of the Treaty of Peace between the ROC and Japan” exhibition and symposium at the Taipei Guest House, where I proposed the East China Sea Peace Initiative. Its first three declarations included:

1. Parties concerned should exercise self-restraint and refrain from escalating antagonistic actions.

2. Parties concerned should shelve disputes and never abandon dialogue and communication.

3. Parties concerned should abide by international law and resolve disagreements through peaceful means.

In any case, stability in the Taiwan Strait is essential—especially in this 80th anniversary year of victory in the War of Resistance and Taiwan’s restoration. Japanese leaders must be particularly prudent in their words and actions. I support friendly relations between Taiwan and Japan, but I cannot welcome rash and provocative behavior by the Japanese government that could place Taiwan in danger. This is certainly not what the people of Taiwan wish to see.

Only when cross-Strait relations remain peaceful and stable will the Taiwan Strait stay calm, avoiding the tense scenario described by Takaichi. I have repeatedly emphasized that cross-Strait issues must not be outsourced to foreign intervention; they must be addressed directly by the two sides. The Chinese people on both sides of the Strait possess the wisdom and the capability to settle their differences peacefully. We welcome Japan’s concern, but we must state clearly our position regarding Takaichi’s counterproductive and reckless statements. That is the true way to safeguard the interests of the people of Taiwan.