Former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama has publicly criticized current PM Sanae Takaichi for "interfering in China's domestic affairs," calling Beijing's response to her controversial Taiwan comments "natural." The rare rebuke from a senior statesman comes as cross-strait tensions dominate Asian diplomacy this November.
Hatoyama invoked WWII-era cautionary lessons on X, quoting historian Kazutoshi Hando: "Media fueled past aggression… we must avoid repeating this." His post sparked heated discussions about Japan's diplomatic tone under Takaichi.
Two other ex-PMs joined the fray: Shigeru Ishiba warned that "diplomacy isn't grandstanding," while Yoshihiko Noda urged Takaichi to prioritize mending ties with Beijing. Their unified push signals growing concern over strained Japan-China relations as 2025 winds down.
🔍 Why it matters: With Taiwan being a core interest for Beijing, regional leaders are walking a tightrope between alliances and stability. As one X user commented: "When ex-PMs form a chorus, you know it's more than politics – it's crisis prevention."
