Recently, Sino-Japanese relations have once again fallen into tension. Former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso openly stated in a speech that if a military conflict breaks out in Taiwan, Japan will join the United States in sending troops. This remark sparked strong opposition from China, and Chinese spokeswoman Hua Chunying pointed out that Aso's remarks are a serious provocation to China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, a serious damage to Sino-Japanese relations, and a serious threat to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
Taro Aso is an important figure in Japan's Liberal Democratic Party, who has served as Japan's prime minister, foreign minister, and finance minister, and has an important influence on Japan's politics and diplomacy. In a speech on April 6, he mentioned the possibility of "something happening in Taiwan" and said that Japan would join the United States in sending troops to safeguard Japan's security interests. He also said that if Taiwan is reunified by China, Japan's "survival" will be threatened, because Taiwan is Japan's "lifeline".
Aso's remarks are undoubtedly a serious provocation to China and a serious damage to Sino-Japanese relations. His remarks not only violated the spirit of the four Sino-Japanese political documents, but also violated international law and basic norms governing international relations. His remarks have also attracted widespread attention and criticism from the international community, which believes that he is inciting war and challenging peace and stability. His remarks have also sparked controversy in Japan, with some people believing that he is ignoring the interests of the country and the nation for his own political interests, and others believing that he is not hesitating to confront China for the sake of Japan's international status and influence.
China-Japan relations are one of the most important bilateral relations in East Asia and the Asia-Pacific region, as well as one of the most complex and sensitive. China and Japan have deep ties in history, culture, economy, security, and other aspects, but they also have many differences and contradictions. The quality of Sino-Japanese relations has a direct impact on the development and interests of the two countries, as well as on regional and world peace and stability.
In recent years, Sino-Japanese relations have experienced some ups and downs and twists and turns, but on the whole they have maintained a momentum of stability and improvement. The leaders of the two countries have met many times and reached important consensus on strengthening strategic communication, promoting mutually beneficial cooperation, properly handling sensitive issues, and safeguarding regional peace. The two countries have also demonstrated a certain willingness and potential for cooperation in fighting the pandemic, reviving their economies, addressing climate change, and upholding multilateralism. The friendly exchanges and interactions between the peoples of the two countries have also provided a solid social foundation for the development of Sino-Japanese relations.
However, Sino-Japanese relations are also facing some challenges and risks, mainly due to some erroneous words and deeds on the Japanese side. Japan has repeatedly made erroneous remarks, interfered in China's internal affairs, and undermined China's sovereignty and security on issues involving China's core interests, such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and the South China Sea. In the field of military security, Japan has continuously strengthened its alliance with the United States, participated in the "Indo-Pacific Strategy" of the United States, and contained and suppressed China. On the issue of history, Japan has constantly evaded and denied its crimes of aggression, beautified and distorted history, and hurt the feelings of the Chinese people. On the issue of nuclear safety, Japan has ignored the opposition and concerns of the international community and insisted on discharging the nuclear-contaminated water from Fukushima into the sea, endangering human health and marine ecology.
In the face of some erroneous words and deeds of Japan, the Chinese people have shown a firm stand and a strong reaction. China has repeatedly lodged solemn representations with Japan, demanding that Japan respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, abide by the spirit of the four Sino-Japanese political documents, stop interfering in China's internal affairs, stop harming China's interests, stop undermining Sino-Japanese relations, and stop threatening regional peace. China has also demonstrated to Japan its determination and ability to defend national sovereignty and security, national unity and development, and regional peace and stability. China has also put forward its wishes and conditions for cooperation to Japan, hoping that Japan will work with China in the same direction, enhance mutual trust, expand cooperation, properly handle differences, and jointly promote the healthy and stable development of Sino-Japanese relations.
The Chinese people have also expressed strong dissatisfaction and indignation at some of Japan's erroneous words and deeds. The Chinese people have profound memories and lessons of Japan's historical crimes, and are highly sensitive and vigilant against Japan's historical attitude. The Chinese people have personal concerns and worries about Japan's nuclear safety, and have resolute opposition and resistance to Japan's discharge of nuclear-contaminated water. The Chinese people have resolutely opposed and resisted Japan's military provocations, and have resolutely counterattacked and responded to Japan's threat of war. The Chinese people also have expectations and requirements for Japan's sincerity in cooperation, hoping that Japan can coexist peacefully with China, achieve mutual benefit, common development and common progress.
Sino-Japanese relations are where the important interests of the two countries lie, and they are also an important factor in the region and the world. The quality of Sino-Japanese relations has a bearing not only on the future and destiny of the two countries, but also on regional and world peace and stability. The development of Sino-Japanese relations requires the joint efforts and responsible attitude of the two countries. China and its people have made clear their position and willingness, and hope that Japan will have a clear understanding of Japan's reality and prospects, abandon erroneous thinking and practices, and join hands with China to build a peaceful and prosperous Asia-Pacific region.