Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's provocative remarks on Taiwan have sparked strong criticism from both Japan and the Republic of Korea, with scholars warning that her comments pose a threat to peace in Asia and globally, and repeating history mistakes as Takaichi's remarks ring of militarism.

Takaichi said on November 7 during a Diet hearing that the Chinese mainland's "use of force on Taiwan" could constitute a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan and implied the possibility of armed intervention in the Taiwan Strait.

Kazuteru Saionji, visiting professor of Higashi Nippon International University in Japan, pointed out, "it must be clear that the Taiwan question is China's internal affair that no other country is allowed to interfere."

He noted that the Taiwan question and Japan facing history squarely are fundamental points of principle in China-Japan relations. Saionji stated that if the Japanese government and the main leaders of the ruling party fail to adopt the correct attitude on these matters, the bilateral relationship will be substantially damaged.

"What is particularly noteworthy is that Japan has not fully reflected on and faced up to its history of aggression," the scholar said.

Saionji emphasized that if Japan does not deeply reflect on its history, it will inevitably head down a path of no return.

"Today's China is no longer the China of the past, and today's Asia is also very different from what it was before," he noted.

According to Kwon Ki-sik, the head of the Korea-China City Friendship Association, the one-China principle is a basic consensus for maintaining peace in the world and East Asia, noting that Japan has no right to interfere in China's internal affairs, and no right to shake the principle.

Kwon believed that Japan's unnecessary provocation was due to its domestic political situation. Takaichi had a weak political base when she assumed power in a coalition government, and chose to instigate conflict between China and Japan in an attempt to mobilize right-wing and moderate forces to maintain her power, he said.

"This is a fundamental error in judgment," he said, pointing out that Takaichi caused unnecessary conflicts without considering the national interest.

He urged Japan to "squarely realize reality and abandon delusion" as East Asia today is not what it was 80 years ago.

"Building a peaceful East Asia and a peaceful Japan so as to enable the Japanese people to live well remains Japan's real way out," Kwon said.

(With input from Xinhua)

Click here to find out more.