Why Japan will not yield, even as dispute with China escalates

Takaichi’s remarks consistent with Japan’s policy; backing down will embolden China

- Walter Sim

Japanese Premier Sanae Takaichi will not apologise nor withdraw her Nov 7 remarks that a military invasion of Taiwan could pose an existential crisis for Japan.

(PHOTO: AFP)

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi marks one month in office on Nov 21, enjoying sky-high domestic support even as a diplomatic firestorm rages with China.

There appears to be no immediate off-ramp for the two East Asian neighbours.

Beijing has been dismissive of any meeting between Premier Li Qiang and Ms Takaichi on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in South Africa from Nov 22 that the two are attending.

Ms Takaichi will neither apologise nor withdraw her remarks to Parliament on Nov 7 that a military invasion of Taiwan could pose an existential crisis for Japan, a demand of the Chinese for ties to return to normal.

In saying what she did in Parliament, she had insinuated without explicitly stating it that the country’s Self-Defence Forces could get involved.

“It’s extremely important to prepare for all possible scenarios, even the worst-case scenario,” Ms Takaichi had said. “If it involves battleships and the use of force, no matter how you look at it, this could constitute a situation that threatens our survival.”

Speaking to reporters on Nov 21 before departing for johannesburg, she said that what precisely is a threat to Japan’s survival will be determined on a “case-by-case basis”.

She further stressed that there was “absolutely no change” to her stated position on Oct 31, when she shook hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping and pledged to work together with him to advance a “strategic and mutually beneficial relationship”.

Beijing, however, deems Ms Takaichi a vicious provocateur and two-faced hypocrite who is bent on interfering with “Chinese internal affairs”, particularly one that is at the “core of its core interests”.