China rejects Takaichi's 'unchanged position' on Taiwan as evasive

The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday dismissed Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's latest remarks on the Taiwan question as a repetition of her earlier erroneous position, calling her stance evasive and denouncing Japan for sidestepping its established commitments and obligations.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks in response to a report that Takaichi had cited the 1972 Sino-Japanese Joint Statement in a December 3 upper house session and said she "understands and respects" China's position that Taiwan is an inalienable part of its territory.

Lin said the report was inaccurate, noting that Takaichi merely referred to Japan's basic stance on the Taiwan question as stated in the 1972 Sino-Japanese Joint Statement. 

"China's position is clear. We urge the Japanese side to seriously reflect, correct its mistakes, and withdraw Takaichi's erroneous remarks," Lin said, adding that despite the clear historical record and written commitments, as well as China's repeated pressing of Japan for answers and criticism from both inside Japan and the international community, Takaichi continued to brush off the issue by simply not changing Japan's position.

He said China cannot accept this.

Since Takaichi claims that Japan's basic stance on the Taiwan question is as stated in the 1972 Sino-Japanese Joint Statement, can she accurately and fully restate what that joint statement says? Why is the Japanese side deliberately avoiding clarifying its established commitments and legal obligations? What is the logic and intention behind this? Japan owes China and the international community an explanation, Lin said.