China calls on Japan to address colonial legacy in Taiwan

Friday 28 November 2025 - 17:30

By: Sahili Aya

China calls on Japan to address colonial legacy in Taiwan

China has urged Japan to confront its colonial history in Taiwan and retract recent comments by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, which Beijing views as interference in its domestic affairs. The demand comes amid growing tensions over Taiwan’s status and historical grievances.

At a press briefing in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that Japan ruled Taiwan for fifty years, during which it committed numerous crimes against the island’s population. Mao criticized Takaichi’s remarks, saying they “send a dangerous signal to Taiwan independence advocates and threaten peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.”

Marking the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over Japan in World War II, Mao called on Tokyo to reflect on its past actions, uphold the one-China principle, and exercise caution regarding Taiwan. She added: “We urge Japan to withdraw its incorrect statements, cease interference in China’s internal affairs, and honor its commitments with concrete actions.”

The statement follows Takaichi’s November 7 remarks suggesting that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could create a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan, potentially justifying the use of collective self-defense. The comments provoked strong reactions in Beijing, prompting cancellations of Chinese tourist trips to Japan, suspension of Japanese seafood imports, and the postponement of a planned trilateral cultural meeting with South Korea.