China Pushes Back Against Takaichi’s Call to Remove Japan’s “Enemy State” Wartime Label

China has pushed back against Takaichi’s call to remove Japan’s “enemy state” designation, saying the wartime label remains tied to the postwar international order. The dispute reflects broader tensions over Japan’s security policy, historical responsibility, and its changing role in regional affairs. Beijing argues that any revision must respect the lessons of history, while supporters of the proposal say Japan should no longer be bound by language created after the Second World War. The issue could strain relations between countries.