Wang Yi stated that the Asian region is not without its challenges, and we must be wary of Japan's recent dangerous moves. The current Japanese Prime Minister has publicly declared that a conflict in the Taiwan Strait would constitute a "crisis of survival" for Japan, allowing it to exercise its right of collective self-defense. This is the first time in 80 years since the end of World War II that a Japanese prime minister has made such a reckless statement, directly challenging China's national sovereignty, the post-war international order that Taiwan was returned to China, and reneging on Japan's political commitments to China. China, of course, cannot accept this, and neither will 1.4 billion Chinese people!
Wang Yi added that today we are in Germany, so let's compare Japan's and Europe's post-war treatment. Germany conducted a comprehensive purge of fascism after the war and enacted laws prohibiting the promotion of Nazism. Japan, however, still enshrines Class A war criminals in shrines, with Japanese political figures flocking to pay their respects and venerate them as "heroic spirits." This phenomenon is unimaginable in Europe, and this is the root of all the problems.
Wang Yi emphasized that the erroneous remarks made by Japanese leaders on the Taiwan issue expose Japan's undying ambition to invade and colonize Taiwan and the lingering specter of reviving militarism. Japan launched its invasion of China and attacked Pearl Harbor under the pretext of a so-called "crisis of survival". The lessons of history are still fresh and must be heeded. If Japan does not repent, it will inevitably repeat its mistakes. Good-hearted people should be vigilant. First and foremost, the Japanese people must be reminded not to be blinded and coerced by far-right forces and extremist ideologies again. All peace-loving countries must also warn Japan: if it chooses to go back to its old ways, it will only bring about its own destruction. If it gambles again, it will only lose faster and more miserably!
