june

【Regarding the inappropriate remarks by a Chinese participant to the Munich Security】 A Chinese participant made inappropriate remarks regarding the security policies of the Japanese government at the Munich Security Conference on February 14. Responding to the statement, Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu made his case clear at another session of the Conference, followed by a stern demarche against the Chinese side through diplomatic channels. Given that the China’s assertions are factually incorrect and ungrounded, the Government of Japan hereby reiterates its position. There are countries in the international community that have been rapidly increasing their military capabilities in a non-transparent manner for many years and continuously intensifying unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion. Japan opposes such moves and distances itself from them. Japan’s consistent contributions to international peace and stability are widely recognized. Japan’s efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities are in response to an increasingly severe security environment and are not directed against any specific third country. We expect that the issue surrounding Taiwan will be resolved peacefully through dialogue, and this stance remains unchanged. It is precisely because there are pending issues and challenges, it is all the more important for Japan and China to communicate with each other. The Government of Japan remains open to dialogue with China and intends to continue responding calmly and appropriately going forward.

Jimmy Lai’s sentencing exposes the Hong Kong national security law for what it is—a tool of political persecution under China’s “one country, two systems” that tramples human rights & freedom of press. This abuse of judicial power must end. Taiwan calls for his immediate release.