China and Japan Clash at Security Council: Chinese Official Criticizes Takachi as 'Representative of the Right Wing'

Chinese and Japanese representatives engaged in a heated confrontation at the United Nations Security Council on the 15th. Sun Lei, China's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, directly pointed out 'the Japanese right-wing forces represented by (Japanese Prime Minister) Sanae Takachi', accusing them of fabricating excuses to lift Japan's post-war military restrictions. 'Such a Japan cannot be judged by words, only by actions.'

On November 7, Sanae Takachi made remarks in parliament about 'an emergency in Taiwan', which triggered strong dissatisfaction from the Chinese side. On the 15th, the UN Security Council held an open debate on 'Demonstrating Leadership for Peace'. Fu Cong, China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, named Takachi, saying she 'goes against the tide' and blatantly violates the commitments Japan made to China and the international community as a defeated country in World War II.

He said, 'The history of World War II is not far behind us. Eighty years ago, Japanese militarism also launched aggressive wars under the so-called name of “self-defense”, bringing grave disasters to China, Asia, and the world. Eighty years later, we must never allow militarism to resurge, nor allow the specter of fascism to reappear. The Chinese side once again urges Japan to retract its erroneous remarks.'

In response, Japanese representative Kazuyuki Yamazaki said: 'This is a baseless statement, which is regrettable,' adding that 'since World War II, Japan has consistently followed the path of a peaceful nation.'

Chinese Deputy Representative Sun Lei forcefully rebutted, accusing the other side of 'quibbling.' Sun Lei stated that, when faced with China's repeated questioning, the Japanese official used 'no change in our position' as a perfunctory response, and that 'the Japanese right-wing forces represented by Sanae Takachi' have made a series of erroneous statements and actions on the 80th anniversary of the victory in World War II. 'How can we trust the Japanese side to truly abide by its commitment to the path of peace?'

According to Kyodo News, the Okinawa Defense Bureau of Japan's Ministry of Defense signed a lease contract with Kitadaito Village, Okinawa Prefecture, on Monday to build military facilities and install radar on the island, with about 30 personnel to be stationed there. Construction is expected to begin after the New Year. The report said that this move aims to counter Chinese aircraft carriers and military planes entering the Pacific through the area between Okinawa's main island and Miyako Island.