Why Japanese Premier's remarks make Chinese people so angry

Sanae Takaichi's erroneous remarks that a "Chinese attack on Taiwan" could constitute a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan, and her refusal to walk back on it, has ignited a wave of anger among the Chinese people, reports CGTN. 

In its most recent statement, China's foreign ministry urged Japan to stop overstepping the line, retract its erroneous words and deeds, and honor its commitment to China with concrete actions.

The Chinese Defense Ministry warned that, should Japan dare to take a risk on the Taiwan question, it will only suffer a "crushing defeat against the steel-willed Chinese People's Liberation Army." A China Coast Guard (CCG) fleet earlier patrolled the territorial waters of China's Diaoyu Dao. The CCG said the patrol was carried out to safeguard China's rights in accordance with the law.

China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism issued a reminder advising Chinese tourists to avoid traveling to Japan for the time being. Major Chinese carriers - including Air China, China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines - announced special arrangements for Japan-bound travelers, allowing changes or refunds of tickets free of charge. China's Ministry of Education released an overseas study alert over the weekend, urging Chinese students currently in Japan or planning to study there soon to assess risks carefully and plan their studies prudently.

The Chinese people are rightfully angry on Takaichi's remarks for several reasons, media agencies have reported.

First of all, Takaichi's statements were not only provocative but also a brazen violation of international law and the political foundation of China-Japan relations.

 According to the Cairo Declaration of 1943 and the Potsdam Proclamation of 1945, which Japan accepted upon its surrender, all territories Japan had stolen from China, such as Taiwan and the Penghu Islands, were to be restored to China. This is not a matter of political interpretation but a bedrock principle of international law.

And in establishing diplomatic relations with China and through the four political documents it signed with China underpinning bilateral relations, Japan has recognized the one-China principle. 

>>Agency