November 15, 2025

Japanese Communist Party Policy Commission Chair Yamazoe Taku, at a press conference in the Diet building on November 14, pointed out that Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s remark that a “Taiwan contingency” would threaten Japan’s survival is heightening tensions between Japan and China and causing mutual distrust. He strongly demanded that PM Takaichi retract her remark in order to prevent the bilateral relations from worsening.

Yamazoe said that although PM Takaichi explained that the government maintains its conventional position on the Taiwan issue, she in her remark cited a specific region’s situation and suggested that it would meet the requirements for Japan’s use of the collective self-defense right. He criticized Takaichi for “going overboard.” He stated that the Chinese side has reacted to PM Takaichi’s remark by such means as expressing condemnation and summoning Japanese Ambassador to China Kanasugi Kenji to file a protest. He stressed, “This is an issue that could escalate beyond mere verbal criticism. You should take it seriously.”

Yamazoe stated that the starting point of the current verbal dispute between the two countries lies in PM Takaichi’s remark, and added, “She should retract her controversial remark. This is a vital step needed to prevent the situation from being further exacerbated.”

Past related article:
> JCP Koike criticizes PM Takaichi’s ‘Taiwan contingency is survival-threatening situation’ remark [November 8 & 11, 2025]