Japan rebuts Chinese letter to UN

• Bloomberg

Japan’s representative at the UN issued a rebuttal against the latest Chinese letter to the UN, as a spat between the two nations over Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s comments on Taiwan continues to simmer.

“The assertions contained therein are inconsistent with the facts, unsubstantiated and are categorically unacceptable,” Japanese Ambassador to the UN Kazuyuki Yamazaki wrote, referring to a letter submitted by China on Monday that accused Japan of violating UN values and provoking China.

“Japan has consistently respected and adhered to international law, including the UN Charter, and has actively contributed to maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order underpinned by the rule of law,” Yamazaki wrote in the letter addressed to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

The letter follows on from China’s second missive to the UN complaining about Japan after Takaichi last month said that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could mean a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan, implying that Tokyo could deploy its military with other nations in that scenario.

In its most recent letter to the UN, China said Takaichi’s remarks “openly challenge the victorious outcomes of World War II and the postwar international order, and constitute a serious violation of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.”

The letter accused Japan of harboring ambitions to “expand its military capabilities and revive militarism.”

Japan has denied such accusations and said that its position on Taiwan has remained consistent.

Beijing has sought a retraction of the comments, but Takaichi has refused to do so.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara reiterated that there was no change to Japan’s position on the matter when asked for comment yesterday morning.

“Japan’s stance, including the recent exchanges in parliament, has been consistent and we have repeatedly conveyed this to China,” he said, adding that Japan would continue to “respond appropriately.”

As ties remain strained, the Japanese embassy in Beijing yesterday urged Japanese residents to be cautious ahead of China’s annual memorial for the Nanjing Massacre on Saturday next week.

The notice warned that anti-Japanese sentiment often rises around sensitive historical dates, and advised residents to keep a low profile and respect local customs.

Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) yesterday told Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Chairman Sumi Shuzo that Taiwan is “moved” and grateful for Takaichi’s support for cross-strait peace, calling her remarks a reflection of justice despite external pressure.

“Japan believes that differences of views should be addressed through dialogue, for that is at the core of the spirit of the UN Charter,” the Japanese letter to the UN said. “Japan will continue to respond calmly through dialogue.”