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Withdraw Takaichi’s Remarks! Japan and the United States Must Not Militarily Intervene in the Taiwan Issue! Peace Through Dialogue and Negotiation, Not Military Force! Let Us Stop War in East Asia Through International Solidarity of Civil Society!

Oppose U.S. Political and Military Intervention in Taiwan and South Korea! Achieve Peace Through Dialogue and Negotiation, Not Military Force!　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Stop War in East Asia Through International Solidarity of Citizens!

We are deeply alarmed by the rapid militarization taking place across East Asia. From the Indian Ocean to the waters off Hawaii in the Pacific, large-scale joint military exercises are being repeatedly conducted by Japan, the United States, South Korea, and other nations under the banner of defending a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific." At the same time, frameworks such as AUKUS and the QUAD are being leveraged to strengthen what can be described as an "Asian NATO," aimed at containing China. The islands along the so-called "First Island Chain," stretching from the Korean Peninsula to the Philippines, have become the front line of military confrontation, leaving many residents with no escape as they face the growing threat of war.

In Japan, the revision of the three key security documents has led to the abandonment of the principle of exclusive self-defense, paving the way for acquiring enemy base strike capabilities and doubling military expenditures. The establishment of the Joint Operations Command for land, sea, and air forces, along with the construction of new bases and deployment of long-range missiles, not only threatens local communities but also escalates regional tensions. In South Korea, the deployment of the THAAD missile defense system and the establishment of a space military unit are advancing, while in Taiwan, military expansion is accelerating with increased U.S. military aid. Furthermore, in addition to the Philippines and Australia, NATO countries such as the United Kingdom, France, and Canada are participating in military exercises in East Asia, strengthening war preparations with an eye on potential intervention in the so-called "Cross-Strait Issue."

Such moves to achieve military superiority trigger a "security dilemma," escalating a large-scale arms race and military tensions, potentially leading to nuclear missile warfare. The fortification of the First Island Chain and the deployment of long-range missiles targeting mainland China are dangerous provocations reminiscent of the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. Moreover, these islands are home to many residents, and the establishment of military facilities and operations in these civilian areas blatantly violates the principle of "distinction between civilians and combatants" outlined in international humanitarian law.

Meanwhile, alternative approaches emphasizing dialogue and diplomacy, such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), already exist in the region. The diplomatic efforts to promote regional security through multilateral consultations and mutual understanding align with the "common security" concept once proposed by the Palme Commission. These initiatives contribute to easing military tensions in East Asia. We call for peace through dialogue and diplomacy, drawing upon the wisdom of ASEAN nations.

With the historical lesson of the Battle of Okinawa—"The military does not protect civilians"—in our hearts, we, the citizens of Japan, the U.S., South Korea, and Taiwan, stand in solidarity and raise our voices: "No intervention in Taiwan and South Korea!" "Peace through dialogue, not military confrontation!" We unite with global movements advocating for Palestine’s liberation and an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, taking action to ensure a peaceful future for the next generation. Through international solidarity beyond borders, we can shift the tide against militarization and work toward lasting peace across East Asia.　We invite individuals and organizations to endorse this call. Every person’s participation is a crucial step toward stopping war and forging a peaceful future in East Asia.　

We request the following from the relevant governments, authorities, and international organizations.

[Demands]

1. Halt large-scale joint military exercises conducted by Japan, the U.S., South Korea, and others that escalate military tensions in East Asia.
2. Abandon the construction of the new Henoko base, immediately close and remove Futenma Air Base, and stop the missile fortification of the Japanese archipelago.
3. Officially end the Korean War, halt the reinforcement of U.S. military bases in South Korea, and cease military expansion, including the THAAD missile deployment in Seongju.
4. Japan and the U.S. must refrain from intervening in the "Taiwan issue" (Cross-Strait issue), which is China's internal matter.
5. Promote regional security through multilateral consultations and mutual understanding to achieve de-escalation and prevent war through disarmament.