Mainland slams recent Japanese govt statement on Taiwan

The Chinese mainland criticized on Wednesday a recent Japanese government statement on the Taiwan question, calling on Tokyo to clearly and honestly explain its position and warning that vague claims and attempts to gloss over the substance will not succeed.

Earlier on Tuesday morning, the Japanese Cabinet made a decision to adopt a written response prepared for a Japanese lawmaker's question about Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's Taiwan remarks, saying that Takaichi's words "do not change the government's consistent position".

"The government fully maintains its position, and we do not believe a review or reconsideration is necessary," the statement said.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning reiterated the mainland's firm opposition to Takaichi's erroneous comments on Taiwan, urging Japan to face up to mainland's serious concerns, correct its mistakes, retract erroneous remarks as soon as possible, and demonstrate its commitments through concrete actions.

Mao stressed that what China and the international community should know is the exact meaning of Japan's "consistent position" and whether Tokyo still adheres to the one-China principle.

Japan must explain clearly, honestly, and in full what it claims to be its "consistent position," Mao said, adding that glossing over the issue, skimming past the essence, and merely invoking a vague concept in an attempt to muddle through will not work.

Mao also emphasized that Taiwan is mainland's Taiwan, and the way the Taiwan question is resolved and national reunification achieved is purely mainland's internal affair. "Japan has no right to make irresponsible remarks, let alone interfere," she said.