Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Approximately 500 people gathered in front of the Japanese Prime Minister’s official residence on Tuesday to protest her remarks on Taiwan.

Prime Minister TAKAICHI Sanae said that “an emergency situation in Taiwan would threaten Japan’s survival.” This has been interpreted by antiwar activists and China as a commitment to deploy Japan’s Self-Defense Forces to Taiwan in the event of a crisis. Takaichi’s statement has ignited tensions between China and Japan over the issue of sovereignty of Taiwan.

Activists representing more than 30 groups gathered in front of the Prime Minister’s residence, holding signs protesting Takaichi’s statement, which the protesters considered irresponsible and a step towards war.

The demonstrators advocated for the defense of Article 9 of the Japanese constitution, which prohibits war, and chanted slogans hostile to the Prime Minister, demanding her resignation.

A Tokyo resident commented on the Prime Minister’s remark, saying “Takaichi’s comments are terrible, because the Taiwan issue is a very sensitive matter for both China and Japan.”

One Takaichi supporter faced the demonstrators displaying a sign supporting the Prime Minister’s declaration. He was surrounded by the security personnel and police escorted him away to an adjacent area.

Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu stated that the solution lies in dialogue with China and emphasized the need to provide reliable and accurate information on the situation.

Takaichi’s remarks have led to the imposition of sanctions by China against Japan, which include issuing warnings to Chinese tourists regarding the potential life-threatening dangers they may face in Japan and halting the export of fishery products to China.