Tokyo rekindling a fire that can burn bridges

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan violated the one-China principle and the spirit of the four political documents that form the foundation of China-Japan ties. They crossed the red line of the post-World War II international order and led to a noticeable cooling of relations.

Despite strong protests from China, the Takaichi administration has not walked back on these statements, insisting that its position on Taiwan has not changed.

Yet a United States intelligence report released in March pointed out that her comments differ significantly from those of previous Japanese leaders, suggesting a shift in Japan's approach to the Taiwan question. Japan's China policy is moving toward confrontation.