Q&A

Q: Why is the claim that "a Taiwan emergency is a Japanese emergency" a false narrative?

A: This year marks the 80th anniversary of the recovery of Taiwan. Japan undeniably bears historical responsibilities on the Taiwan question. The Cairo Declaration issued by China, the United States and the United Kingdom in 1943 states in explicit terms that Taiwan is a territory that Japan had stolen from the Chinese, and shall be restored to China.

Article 8 of the Potsdam Proclamation, jointly issued by China, the US, the UK and the Soviet Union in 1945, stipulates that the terms of the Cairo Declaration shall be carried out. On Aug 15, 1945, Japan accepted the Potsdam Proclamation and announced unconditional surrender. Later in 1972, Japan pledged in the China-Japan Joint Statement that it firmly maintains its position under Article 8 of the Potsdam Proclamation.

The Treaty of Peace and Friendship Between China and Japan, signed in 1978, clearly states that the principles set out in the statement should be strictly observed. The treaty was deliberated and approved by the legislators of the two countries, and together with the China-Japan Joint Statement, constitutes a legally binding documents that provide guidance for bilateral ties.

The above-mentioned historical evidence and legal basis fully show that abiding by the one-China principle is a serious political commitment and obligation under international law that Japan must follow.

The false narrative, including "a Taiwan emergency is a Japanese emergency", will gravely erode the political foundation of China-Japan relations.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

China Daily