Beijing Rejects Japanese PM's Clarification on Taiwan Stance

China has sharply criticized Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's latest comments on Taiwan. Beijing labeled her remarks as "prevarication" and stated it "absolutely does not accept" her position. The diplomatic friction began in early November with Takaichi's initial comments on Taiwan. She has since declined to retract them. On Wednesday, Takaichi appeared to try to ease tensions. She told Japan's parliament that Tokyo’s "fundamental position regarding Taiwan remains unchanged from that stated in the 1972 Japan-China Joint Communique." That historic agreement established diplomatic ties between Japan and China. In it, Japan recognized the government in Beijing as China's sole legitimate government.