August 6, 2022

China on August 2 started its military exercises in waters off Taiwan as a response to U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan. On August 4, China conducted live-fire drills at six areas encircling Taiwan, and several Chinese ballistic missiles landed inside Japan's EEZ.

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo on August 5 issued a statement in protest against China's military exercises off Taiwan.

In the statement, Shii said, "The JCP has argued that in order to resolve the Taiwan issue, the freely expressed public opinion of Taiwanese residents should be respected and non-peaceful means should be categorically excluded. Our party has opposed China’s intensification of military pressure and intimidation."

Shii in his statement expressed strong protest against China's military exercises around Taiwan as it runs counter to regional peace and stability.

He noted that the U.S. administration is reinforcing its military involvement in Taiwan and that the Japanese government supports the U.S. stance. He expressed his concern over the growing danger that could create a vicious cycle of military responses regarding the Taiwan issue. He also expressed his strong opposition to a military response by Japan and the United States.

Shii emphasized, "The Taiwan issue should be settled through peaceful dialogue."

Past related article:
> JCP opposes strengthening the military alliance posing risks and burdens on the Japanese people [April 18, 2021]