Published: 17:36, February 10, 2026 | Updated: 17:58, February 10, 2026
Beijing calls for retraction of Japan PM's Taiwan remarks
By Zhang Yunbi

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), speaks during a press conference at the LDP headquarters in Tokyo on Feb 9, 2026. (PHOTO/AFP)

In response to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks on Monday expressing willingness to engage in dialogue with China, the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday called on Tokyo to "retract erroneous remarks on Taiwan."

The ministry's spokesman Lin Jian told reporters on Tuesday that genuine dialogue should be based on mutual respect and sticking to consensus.

"No one would accept dialogue when one side talks about dialogue while engaging in confrontation with the other," he said.

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If Japan genuinely seeks to develop China-Japan strategic mutually beneficial relationship, the path is simple and clear: retract Takaichi's erroneous remarks on Taiwan, faithfully uphold the four political documents between China and Japan and Japan's political commitments, and demonstrate sincerity for dialogue through concrete actions, he added.