Statement by H.E. Ambassador YAMAZAKI Kazuyuki, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the High-level Plenary Meeting to Commemorate the 65th Anniversary of the Declaration of the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples

Thank you, Mr. President.
 
At the outset, Japan would like to emphasize one of the purposes of the UN enshrined in Article 1 of the Charter: "To develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples."
 
In this spirit, in 1960, the General Assembly proclaimed in its resolution the necessity of bringing to a speedy and unconditional end colonialism in all its forms and manifestations. Since then, Friendly Relations Declaration and International Covenants on Human Rights were adopted.
 
Through these developments, the colonial peoples' right of self-determination to seek liberation from imperialist States governing them and attain independence or separate political status has been legally established.
 
We shall abandon colonial rule forever and respect the right of self-determination of all peoples throughout the world. Japan will continue to make unceasing efforts towards the full realization of this right within the international community.
 
Mr. President,

It is regrettable that Chinese delegation made a groundless statement against Japan.
 
Since the end of World War II, Japan has consistently followed the path of a peace-loving nation and made innumerable contribution to the peace and prosperity of the international community.
 
With respect to China’s unsubstantiated claims regarding history, I will refrain from refuting each one individually. The current administration has upheld in its entirety the positions of the previous Japanese Cabinets on history and will continue to do so.

On China’s claim on Japan’s defense posture, Japan's position is already stated in my letters dated November 24 and December 4 addressed to the Secretary-General and also circulated to the Member States, in response to the two letters from the Permanent Representative of China.
 
Japan's fundamental defense policy is the posture of passive defense strategy, which is exclusively defense-oriented. China's assertion that Japan would exercise the right of self-defense even in the absence of an armed attack is erroneous.
 
I would like to reiterate Japan's fundamental stance regarding Taiwan, which is as articulated in the "Japan-China Joint Communiqué" of 1972. We reiterate our consistent position of expecting that issues concerning Taiwan will be resolved peacefully through dialogue.
 
To conclude, Japan believes that differences of views should be addressed through dialogue, for that is at the core of the spirit of the UN Charter.