CDP's Noda Serves China's Interests by Twisting PM's Taiwan Emergency Remarks

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Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and leaders of four opposition parties debated in the Diet on November 26. During their debate, Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP), criticized the Prime Minister's November 7 comment in the Diet about a hypothetical Taiwan emergency. Noda declared, "There are some things that should not be said."

Takaichi's remark responded to an initial question posed by CDP standing advisor Katsuya Okada, a lawmaker from Noda's own party, in the Lower House Budget Committee on November 7. Noda told the PM, "I would like to ask you again what Mr Okada asked."

However, Noda's skewed criticism of the Prime Minister's remark is wrong. His words and actions can only undermine Japan's national security and please the Chinese government, which refuses to renounce the use of force against Taiwan. We urge him to reflect deeply on his actions.

Furthermore, Noda inaccurately criticized Takaichi's remarks as "arbitrary" and alleged that there had been no prior coordination within the government. However, since the Prime Minister holds ultimate responsibility for national politics, statements made in the Diet should not be restricted in that way. 

Unfortunately, Noda seems to lack an understanding of the significance of parliamentary democracy.

Prompting PM Takaichi's Remarks

The Prime Minister's remarks referred to a hypothetical case presented to her by CDP Executive Advisor Okada, Noda's colleague. Under Okada's hypothetical question, China imposes a naval blockade on Taiwan and then uses force against the US military, which intervenes to lift the blockade.

Takaichi's response proved effective in informing the public of the risk of China starting a war in the Taiwan Strait. It has also helped in deterring China from taking such an action. That is why China, which finds that the use of force has become more difficult, has been reacting in such an abnormal fashion. 

The Japanese people must realize that Japan should not pander to the Chinese Communist leadership. Instead, it should ignore Beijing's provocative pronouncements. Otherwise, the Japan-US alliance will become hollow, and the threat of a Taiwan crisis will certainly increase.

CDP's Bogeyman

Regarding the true intent of her remarks, Prime Minister Takaichi said, "I was asked about specific examples, so I intended to answer honestly within that context."

In the November 7 Lower House Budget Committee, CDP's Okada repeatedly asked questions about a hypothetical Taiwan emergency. His repeated questioning to elicit a response he could attack was nothing more than conjuring up a bogeyman. If the largest opposition party is going to act in that way, it will be difficult to hold productive public debates.

On November 26, Noda himself argued that "the intimidating words and actions of the Chinese diplomatic authorities are hurting the feelings of the Japanese people."

Perhaps he was right on that score. However, Noda did not go any further in his critique of China's many outrageous attempts at coercion. Instead, he simply said, "The situation is heating up, and both sides are exchanging harsh insults."

It is, in fact, only the Chinese government that has been hurling insults. So, Noda's remarks suggesting the Japanese government is equally guilty are simply outlandish. 

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Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun

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