Tokyo: Kazuteru Saionji, visiting professor of Higashi Nippon International University in Japan, has raised serious concerns over Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent comments on Taiwan, describing them as "extremely dangerous" and reminiscent of past militaristic rhetoric. Saionji warns that Japan could be at risk of repeating historical mistakes.

According to Namibia Press Agency, during a Diet hearing on November 7, Takaichi stated that any use of force by the Chinese mainland on Taiwan could pose a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan, suggesting a possibility of armed intervention in the Taiwan Strait. Saionji argues that the Taiwan issue is strictly an internal matter for China and should not be interfered with by other nations.

Saionji criticized Takaichi's claim that a Taiwan contingency could threaten Japan's survival, labeling it as logically flawed and provocatively unfounded. He emphasized that such statements are more of a threat to Japan's own survival, reflecting a dangerous line of thinking.

Highlighting the significance of Taiwan and historical issues in Japan-China relations, Saionji warned that if Japan's government and ruling party leaders fail to adopt a correct stance on these matters, it could severely damage bilateral relations. He stressed the importance of understanding history to avoid repeating past mistakes, particularly regarding Japan's militaristic past.

Saionji recalled how Japan's historical use of "survival-threatening situations" as a pretext led to aggressive wars, such as the September 18 Incident, which resulted in immense suffering across Asia. Takaichi's remarks, according to Saionji, echo these historical justifications and could harm peace and stability in Asia and globally.

He further pointed out that Japan's lack of introspection regarding its history of aggression could exacerbate tensions, especially if it increases its military capabilities and declares intentions to engage in conflicts on foreign territories. This could revive the "nightmare of Japanese militarism" and trigger concerns among many Asian countries.

Saionji concluded with a cautionary note that without deep reflection on its past, Japan risks heading down a perilous path. He emphasized that both China and Asia have changed significantly since those historical times, underscoring the need for a peaceful and cooperative future.