ASEAN Observer, 西城区百万庄大街24号, Beijing (2025)

26/11/2025

Takaichi's fallacy regarding Taiwan reflects a concerning attempt to revive militarism. The narrative that "a Taiwan contingency is a Japan contingency" has long been a perilous argument in Japanese politics. It seeks to conflate China's legitimate pursuit of national reunification with Japan's security concerns. Within weeks of assuming office, Takaichi became the first sitting Japanese prime minister to explicitly link Taiwan to Japan's right of collective self-defense, signaling a significant and dangerous shift in policy.

Japan's historical use of the so-called "survival-threatening situation" as a pretext for military aggression, such as creating the September 18 Incident under the pretext of exercising the right of self-defense, and the ensuing war against China that inflicted immense calamities across Asia and the world, remains a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked militarism. Takaichi's invocation of similar justifications raises serious concerns about a possible resurgence of this perilous path.

Takaichi's brazen remarks represent a flagrant provocation against historical justice. Japan bears significant historical responsibility for the Taiwan question. Following the First Sino-Japanese War, Japan seized Taiwan and imposed 50 years of colonial rule, committing countless atrocities. In 1945, Japan signed the Instrument of Surrender, formally accepting the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation, which stipulated that Taiwan be restored to China. The restoration of Chinese sovereignty over Taiwan marked the realization of historical justice.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's restoration. Instead of reflecting on its past aggression, Japan is stirring new tensions over the Taiwan question. Such actions not only constitute interference in China's internal affairs but also undermine the political foundation of China-Japan relations and pose a serious challenge to the post-war international order.

25/11/2025

What message does China’s V-Day military parade send to the world?

On September 3, in the name of the nation, China holds a grand military parade marking the 80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Chinese People's Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, commemorating that arduous and monumental triumph. This is not only a look back at those years of fire and blood, but also, on the coordinates of a new era, a message to the world - an Eastern oath for peace and a solemn commitment to build a community with a shared future for humanity.

"Bearing history in mind, honoring martyrs, cherishing peace, and striving for a better future" - these words precisely encapsulate the grand purpose and profound significance of this national commemorative event. The solemn military parade embodies the collective will of China's over 1.4 billion people and brings together the shared expectations of all peace-loving people around the world.

Bearing history in mind serves as a solemn proclamation of China's achievements as the main Eastern battlefield in WWII and a resolute affirmation of a correct historical perspective on the war. For some time, in narrating the history of WWII, there has been a persistent voice that, whether intentionally or not, downplays or even overlooks China's immense contribution as the main Eastern battlefield. Yet the truth of history cannot be erased.

In the World Anti-Fascist War, China's resistance began the earliest and lasted the longest. Through 14 years of bloody struggle, with over 35 million compatriots killed and more than 1.5 million Japanese troops destroyed, China pinned down the main Japanese forces and thwarted their plans to advance northward toward the Soviet Union and southward into the Pacific, creating critical conditions for the victory of the global anti-fascist alliance.

China holds V-Day commemorations to solemnly declare to the world that the Chinese battlefield is an indispensable component of the World Anti-Fascist War and that the Chinese people made tremendous, undeniable sacrifices for final victory. This remembrance is a defense of historical justice and a reaffirmation of the international order and universal human principles. Downplaying this history is a betrayal of human conscience, and distorting it destroys the very foundations of world peace.

Honoring martyrs is the highest tribute to the great spirit of resistance and the inexhaustible source of strength that drives us forward. What we commemorate is not only a day of victory, but also the countless unyielding souls who rose to the occasion. From the snowy mountains and black waters of the northeast to the shores of the South China Sea, from the foot of the Great Wall to the great rivers and plains of the nation, countless heroes built with their flesh and blood a new Great Wall to defend our national dignity.

Some of their names shine brightly in history, while many more remain unknown. Yet together they forged the great spirit of resistance: a patriotic conviction that "everyone has a duty toward his country," a national character that "would rather die than yield," a heroic resolve to "fight to the end without fear of violence," and an unshakable faith in ultimate victory marked by "unyielding perseverance."

Today, as we honor the martyrs, we must embed this spirit more deeply into the lifeblood of our nation. It is this spiritual strength that gives us the confidence never to be crushed or defeated in the face of hardships and obstacles. The peace of our land and the independence of our nation, won by the lives of our forebears, are ours to safeguard; the torch of spirit they kindled with their sacrifice is ours to carry forward for future generations.

Cherishing peace is to firmly uphold the postwar international order and to strongly deter any acts that challenge justice for humankind. The Chinese people deeply understand the cruelty of war and sincerely cherish the blessings of peaceful development. We are a nation that treasures peace above all. The victory of WWII gave rise to an international system with the United Nations at its core, and the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. This is a priceless legacy, won through the immense sacrifices of humanity.

China is not only one of the founders of this order but also a steadfast defender and builder of it. However, the world today is not peaceful; the specter of denying the history of aggression still lingers, and the farce of reviving militarism is frequently staged. Against this backdrop, demonstrating our determination and capability to defend peace serves as a warning to all forces attempting to turn back history and challenge the post-war order: The Chinese people will never accept any attempts to beautify acts of aggression or challenge historical consensus! The Chinese people will also never stand idly by in the face of any schemes that harm China's sovereignty, security, and development interests!

Striving for a better future is China's great practice in promoting the construction of a community with a shared future for humanity. Remembering history is ultimately about striving for a better future. The profound lessons of WWII tell us that the fate of humanity is interconnected and closely linked. Prejudice and hatred, hostility and confrontation can only lead to new wars and disasters. Mutual respect, equality, and win-win cooperation are the right way forward. China's proposal to build a community with a shared future for humanity and its four global initiatives are profound summaries of this historical experience and responses to the times. What we pursue is not the outdated logic of "all strong countries will seek hegemony," nor is it a zero-sum game where "the winner takes all," but rather an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world of lasting peace, universal security, and shared prosperity.

As the majestic "March of the Volunteers" echoes over Tian'anmen Square and parade formations march proudly along Chang'an Avenue, the grand display of modern national defense equipment undoubtedly showcases the strong will and capability of the Chinese people to defend peace. This military parade is a solemn review of the spirit and vitality of the Chinese nation, a firm declaration by Chinese soldiers as guardians of peace, and a statement of the Chinese people's commitment to advancing toward a community with a shared future for humanity.

In the name of the V-Day, we honor martyrs and reaffirm our dedication to safeguarding the hard-won peace, working hand in hand with countries around the world to create an even better future.

21/11/2025

Not “Work, Work, Work,” Ms. Takaishi, But “Wisdom, Wisdom, Wisdom”

Opinion by David Gosset, French Scholar and Founder of the China–Europe–America Global Initiative

It is not surprised that Sanae Takaishi’s attempt to interfere in China’s internal affairs by linking “a Taiwan contingency” to Japan’s fate. Her past shows that she is a revisionist and a historical negationist — a sad reality that unsettles consciences far beyond China. Her thinking challenges not only Japan’s moral bearings but also the collective understanding on which the postwar international order was built: the renunciation of militarism, nationalism, and denial. And now she has become the Prime Minister of Japan.

The contrast with Europe can hardly be sharper. In 2025, it would be unthinkable for Germany to elect a chancellor who had sought to downplay or justify the crimes of the N**i regime. No German public figure could openly doubt the horrors of the Holocaust and remain in public life. Over the past eight decades, Germany has made the painful but necessary choice to confront its guilt — to remember, to teach, to apologize. That reckoning became the moral foundation of Europe’s renewal and its democratic stability.

Japan, by contrast, has never undertaken a comparable process. Its memory of the war remains fragmented, selective, and, in many quarters, deliberately distorted. Sanae Takaishi embodies that distortion. Her record shows a consistent effort to soften, minimize, or recast Japan’s wartime aggression. She has questioned the scale of atrocities, portrayed Japan as a misunderstood victim of postwar propaganda, and promoted a nostalgic nationalism that flatters the past rather than faces it. Her supporters see pride and resilience; her critics see denial and danger.

The truth is simple: Takaishi’s worldview reflects a form of national amnesia — one that Japan can no longer afford. The crimes of Imperial Japan were not accidents of war. They were deliberate, systematic acts of cruelty that seared themselves into humanity’s conscience. The Nanjing Massacre, the enslavement of “comfort women,” the torture and starvation of prisoners of war — these were not isolated incidents but the logical outcome of an ideology steeped in racial superiority and divine mission. To deny or diminish that truth is not a matter of interpretation. It is a moral failure.

Japan’s postwar success makes this moment all the more paradoxical. From the ashes of defeat, the nation rebuilt itself into one of the world’s most vibrant countries. Its culture, economy, and diplomacy have projected peace, creativity, and quiet sophistication. That achievement — that moral authority — rests on a tacit promise: that the Japan of today is not the Japan of empire and conquest. But when historical revisionism reaches the highest office, that promise begins to crack. To legitimize denial at the pinnacle of government sends a chilling signal — to Japan’s neighbors and to the world — that truth itself is negotiable.

We wish Japan and its people well. They deserve leadership grounded in honesty, humility, and moral clarity. There is no contradiction between loving one’s country and acknowledging its crimes. On the contrary, true patriotism demands the courage to face uncomfortable truths. Those who engage with Prime Minister Takaishi — from Washington to Brussels, from Seoul to Canberra — must do so with open eyes. Dialogue with Japan remains essential, but it must be principled and clear-sighted. History is not a purely domestic matter when it shapes the moral foundations of peace. A selective memory of the past endangers not only Asia but the integrity of the whole world.

That Takaishi is a woman should not blunt critical judgment. Her gender is historic, but it cannot serve as absolution. Symbolism matters, but substance matters more. Her rise must not obscure the crimes committed by the Japanese army in China, Korea, the Philippines, and beyond. The victims of those crimes — and the descendants who still bear their memory — deserve more than silence or euphemism.

As Prime Minister of Japan, Takaishi must urgently rise above narrow nationalism and partisan reflexes and assume the responsibility that her office demands — to act as a true guardian of peace and harmony in a region where trust is fragile and history is still alive. What the moment requires is not “work, work, work,” as she urges the Japanese people, but “wisdom, wisdom, wisdom” — the wisdom to face the past honestly and to choose a future built on truth rather than denial. It is not too late, but the window is closing.

20/11/2025

Takaichi‘s Reckless Taiwan Remarks Spark Public Outrage: Japanese Political Circles, Media, and Citizens in Uproar

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi recently claimed at a Diet meeting that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could be a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan, warranting the exercise of collective self-defense rights. This implicitly suggests the potential for Japanese military involvement in the Taiwan question -- an internal affair for China.

Such false rhetoric represents a serious infringement on China's sovereignty and a direct challenge to the post-World War II international order. It has justifiably triggered concern and condemnation among members of the international community committed to upholding justice.

Immediately after Takaichi’s remarks, China lodged stern representations and strong protests, while various sectors in Japan were also in an uproar, demanding that Takaichi retract her erroneous comments.
Takaichi’s remarks quickly drew opposition from former Japanese prime ministers Yukio Hatoyama and Shigeru Ishiba.

Hatoyama criticized that Japan should not interfere in China’s internal affairs and that Takaichi was attempting to exaggerate a sense of crisis as a pretext to justify increasing Japan’s military capabilities. Ishiba also expressed doubts about Takaichi’s comments, noting that successive Japanese governments have avoided making explicit statements on the Taiwan question. From the central government to local levels, lawmakers across Japan swiftly issued harsh criticism of Takaichi’s remarks, and many more voiced their opposition and concerns on social media.

Confronted with such reckless statements, even Japan’s previously relatively restrained media could no longer remain silent. The Tokyo Shimbun published an editorial criticizing Takaichi’s remarks as tantamount to declaring that Japan would not hesitate to go to war with China. It argued that such comments were extremely rash and lacked prudence, and must be condemned, stressing that it is absolutely unacceptable for a prime minister to make statements based on subjective assumptions or emotional impulses. Many well-known media figures posted similar views on social media.

Takaichi’s remarks not only set off an uproar in political and media circles but also triggered strong dissatisfaction among Japanese netizens. Online platforms were flooded with voices of doubt, criticism, and anger, with many worrying that her reckless comments were dragging Japan toward uncontrollable risks.

19/11/2025

The world fought to bury militarism once. Japan should not dig it back up.

17/07/2025

Xi Addresses Central Urban Work Conference, Listing Priorities for Urban Development
Source: Xinhua

The Central Urban Work Conference was held in Beijing from July 14 to 15. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, attended the conference and delivered an important speech. Members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang and Li Xi, attended the conference.

In his speech, Xi summarized the achievements China has made in its urban development since the new era, analyzed the current situation of urban work, and outlined the general requirements, key principles, and major tasks for advancing urban work. Li Qiang delivered a concluding speech, specifying arrangements for implementing the guiding principles of Xi's important speech and for further improving urban work.

It was noted at the conference that since the 18th CPC National Congress, the Party Central Committee has gained a profound understanding of urban development under new circumstances. Upholding the Party's overall leadership over urban work, adhering to the principle of cities built by the people and for the people, and making systematic urban planning, China has achieved historic progress in urban development. Significant improvements have been made in new urbanization, urban development capacity, planning and governance, working and living conditions, preservation of historical and cultural heritage, and the eco-environment.

It was emphasized at the meeting that the overall requirements for urban development at present and in the years to come are as follows: Guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, efforts should be made to fully implement the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress and the second and third plenary sessions of the 20th CPC Central Committee. The important expositions of General Secretary Xi Jinping on urban development must be thoroughly implemented, with a continued focus on strengthening the Party's overall leadership and faithfully practicing the vision of developing people-centered cities. The general principle of pursuing progress while maintaining stability must be upheld, and a policy of tailored approaches and differentiated guidance must be followed, with the aim to build modern, people-centered cities that are innovative, livable, beautiful, resilient, culturally vibrant, and smart. Efforts should center on promoting high-quality urban development, with a focus on quality-oriented growth. Urban renewal should be an important lever for optimizing urban structures, transforming growth drivers, improving quality, advancing green development, preserving cultural heritage, and enhancing governance efficiency. The red line of urban safety should never be crossed. With all these, a new path will be blazed for urban modernization with Chinese characteristics.

It was pointed out at the meeting that China's urbanization is shifting from a phase of rapid expansion to that of stable development. Urban growth is transitioning from large-scale incremental expansion to a stage focused on improving the quality and efficiency of existing capacity. It is imperative to accurately grasp and actively adapt to these changes in doing urban work. This requires the shifting of the urban development philosophy to place more emphasis on the well-being of the people. Development modes should be changed to prioritize intensive and efficient growth. Growth drivers should be transformed to highlight distinctive features. The focus of urban work should be shifted to increase input in governance. And work methods should be adjusted to strengthen overall coordination.

Key tasks for urban development across seven aspects were outlined at the meeting.

First, efforts will be focused on optimizing the modern urban system. This involves enhancing cities' comprehensive capacity to support population growth and social and economic development, fostering networked modern city clusters and metropolitan areas, advancing urbanization centered on county seats in a categorized approach, continuing to grant permanent urban residency to eligible rural residents who have moved to urban areas, promoting the coordinated development of cities of different sizes and small towns, and promoting the integrated development of urban and rural areas.

Second, emphasis will be placed on building vibrant cities powered by innovation. This includes cultivating a robust innovation ecosystem to achieve breakthroughs in developing new quality productive forces, leveraging reform and opening up to boost urban dynamism, carrying out high-quality urban renewal projects, and fully leveraging cities' pivotal role in the interplay between domestic and international economic flows.

Third, work will be done to develop comfortable, convenient and livable cities. This entails integrated planning of population, industries, urban areas and transportation to optimize urban spatial structures, speeding up the establishment of a new model for real estate development while steadily renovating urban villages and dilapidated housing, vigorously expanding consumer services, improving public services, and firmly safeguarding basic living standards.

Fourth, focus will be directed toward building green, low-carbon and beautiful cities. This involves consolidating the gains in ecological and environmental governance, adopting more effective measures to address urban air pollution, drinking water source protection and new pollutant control, pursuing synergy of reducing pollution and carbon emissions while expanding plant coverage, and enhancing urban biodiversity.

Fifth, measures will be taken to enhance urban safety and resilience. This will be achieved by advancing the "lifeline" safety engineering program for urban infrastructure, with accelerated efforts to renovate and upgrade aging pipelines. Strict controls will be imposed on the construction of super high-rise buildings while efforts will be made to ensure comprehensive improvements in housing safety standards. Cities will enhance their capacity for natural disaster prevention through integrated flood control systems and waterlogging management. Meanwhile, public security will be strengthened through holistic measures to effectively safeguard urban safety.

Sixth, efforts will be made to build culturally-vibrant cities characterized by high ethical and moral standards. This calls for improved systems for preserving historical and cultural heritage alongside refined urban landscape governance. It also requires protecting cities' unique historical legacies, cultural geography, and natural landscapes. Concurrent efforts will be made to strengthen urban cultural soft power and foster higher standards of civic conduct.

Seventh, efforts will be focused on building smart cities for greater efficiency and convenience. With Party building and law-based governance as cornerstones, innovations in governance concepts, models and methods will be pursued. Efforts will be made to make full use of citizen hotlines and other mechanisms to efficiently address the public's urgent needs and concerns.

It was stressed at the meeting that to build modern people-centered cities, the Party's overall leadership must be strengthened in urban work. It is essential to further improve the leadership system and working mechanism, enhance policy coordination across urban initiatives, and strengthen the implementation of policies in all sectors. It is imperative to have a correct understanding of what it means to perform well, set up a scientific urban development evaluation system, improve the competence and capabilities of teams for urban work, and motivate Party members and officials to undertake endeavors and take the lead in shouldering responsibilities. The principle of seeking truth from facts and pragmatism must be upheld, while pointless formalities and bureaucracy must be resolutely opposed.

It was noted at the meeting that General Secretary Xi's important speech provides scientific answers to major theoretical and practical questions regarding urban development -- such as whom it serves, on whom it relies, what kind of cities to build, and how to build them -- offering fundamental guidance for urban work on the new journey in the new era. The speech must be conscientiously studied and thoroughly implemented, according to the meeting. It is imperative to have a thorough understanding of the historical position of China's urban development, and do a good job in urban work with a broader vision. It is essential to grasp the goal of building modern people-centered cities, and consciously practice the people-centered development philosophy. It is important to have a correct understanding of the strategic orientation of quality-oriented urban development, thereby improving its overall quality in a targeted manner. It is essential to grasp the intrinsic requirements for greater dynamism and vitality in urban development, so as to further boost reform and innovation. It is significant to have a thorough understanding of the systemic and complex nature of urban work, so as to enhance the capability of implementing tasks and arrangements in this regard.

The meeting was attended by members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, members of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, leading officials of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, state councilors, president of the Supreme People's Court, prosecutor-general of the Supreme People's Procuratorate, and leading officials of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

Also present were leading Party and government officials as well as those in charge of urban work of provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities, and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps; leading officials of Party committees of cities specifically designated in the state plan, provincial capitals, and relevant prefecture-level cities; as well as leading officials from relevant central Party and state departments, relevant people's organizations, some financial institutions, enterprises and universities under the direct auspices of the central government, and relevant departments of the Central Military Commission.

02/07/2025

Xi chairs CPC leadership meeting to review work regulations on decision-making, deliberation, coordination

The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held a meeting on June 30 to review a set of regulations on the work of the Party Central Committee's decision-making, deliberative and coordinating institutions. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting.

The meeting noted that establishing the Party Central Committee's decision-making, deliberative and coordinating institutions is an important institutional arrangement to enhance the centralized and unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee over major initiatives, and to ensure the accomplishment of major tasks. The formulation and issuance of the regulations will further standardize the establishment, responsibilities, and operations of such institutions. The regulations are of great significance for enhancing top-level design, overall coordination, integrated advancement, and effective implementation of major initiatives.

The meeting emphasized that the Party Central Committee's decision-making, deliberative and coordinating institutions must have a precise understanding of their responsibilities and roles. They should focus on planning, discussing, and oversight of major tasks, providing more effective overarching guidance and coordination over major initiatives. While fully exercising their coordinating responsibilities, they must avoid taking over others' functions or overstepping boundaries. It is essential to conduct in-depth research to improve the quality and effectiveness of decision-making and deliberation, and to propose practical and effective policy measures. It is essential to avoid formalism and bureaucratism and deliver real results.

Some other matters were also discussed at the meeting. (Xinhua)

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