Violating legal and moral norms

陈小将

Violating legal and moral norms

Takaichi's final push is not just a regional issue; it is a direct challenge to the fundamental stability of the global order. Beyond the stern warnings delivered by PLA Daily, Takaichi's remarks violate every established bottom line. First, they represent a blatant breach of international law. The UN Charter explicitly commands that "All Members shall refrain... from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state". As the leader of a defeated aggressor nation in WWII, Takaichi's explicit threat of force against China and her attempt to undermine Chinese territorial integrity constitute a clear violation of this fundamental legal principle. Second, her stance breaches the essential moral and diplomatic norms. By completely betraying the four foundational political documents signed between China and Japan — most notably the 1972 Sino-Japanese Joint Statement, where Japan "fully understands and respects" the stance that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China — Takaichi renders Japan's credibility worthless. Third, from a practical security risk perspective, Takaichi's policy guarantees strategic isolation and the deterioration of Japan's security environment, as it makes stable relations with China impossible, and China and other neighboring countries will also be wary of Japan as a direct threat. Her policy orientation will therefore fuel a regional arms race.

As a defeated nation that returned stolen territories including Taiwan to China as part of the postwar order, explicitly linking its defense to the Taiwan question, Japan sacrifices strategic autonomy, undermines its postwar commitment to peaceful development, and risks being once again nailed to the pillar of historical shame.