Chinese officials have issued stern warnings this week after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made controversial statements about the Taiwan region, reigniting historical tensions between the two Asian powers. The backlash comes as Beijing marks 50 years since normalized diplomatic relations with Tokyo – a milestone now overshadowed by fresh disputes.
"Japan's colonial history in Taiwan left deep scars," explains political analyst Chen Yuan. "When current leaders make statements that could be interpreted as challenging China's sovereignty, it triggers collective memories of invasion and occupation from 1895 to 1945."
Social media platforms like Weibo have seen #NeverForgetHistory trend nationally since November 27, with over 180 million engagements. Many users shared archival photos of resistance fighters during Japan's occupation era.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin emphasized: "The Taiwan question concerns China's core interests. No external forces will be allowed to interfere." Meanwhile, cross-strait trade between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan region reached $326 billion this year through October, highlighting deepening economic integration.
As regional tensions simmer, historians remind us that 2025 also marks the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's return to China following World War II – a historical fact that continues shaping contemporary geopolitics. 🌐⏳
