Key Facts
• September 8: Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi addressed China’s sanctions on lawmaker Ishin Seihei.
• Sanctions include entry bans, citing “spreading false statements” on Taiwan issues.
• Hayashi called the sanctions “unacceptable” and “extremely regrettable” for Japan-China relations.
• Japan demanded immediate revocation of the measures through diplomatic channels.
• Hayashi emphasized freedom of expression as a cornerstone of Japan’s democracy.
• He criticized China’s actions as unilateral and intimidating against differing views.
Summary
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi condemned China’s sanctions on lawmaker Ishin Seihei, describing them as “unacceptable” and harmful to Japan-China relations. The sanctions, announced by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, include entry bans, citing Seihei’s alleged dissemination of false statements on Taiwan. Hayashi stressed that freedom of expression is fundamental to Japan’s democracy and criticized China’s actions as unilateral and coercive. Japan has formally requested the immediate withdrawal of these measures through diplomatic channels.
