Following protests from Taiwan, Foreign Minister Makiko Tanaka on Friday clarified her earlier remarks that she hoped the sovereignty of Taiwan would be resolved peacefully, as Hong Kong was returned to China.
"The issue should be solved through dialogue between the two parties concerned," Tanaka told a news conference.
In the 1972 Japan-China joint communique, Japan said it understands and respects China's position that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China. But the government has taken a neutral stance on how the sovereignty issue should be resolved between the two parties.
Tanaka said she is "fully aware" of the difference in historical backgrounds of Taiwan and Hong Kong. "I meant to say the issue should be solved peacefully," she said.
Taiwan's Foreign Ministry made an official protest on Wednesday, saying Tanaka's remark was inappropriate. Taiwan has refused to accept China's demand for reunification under "one country, two systems," like Hong Kong.
Taiwanese citizens' groups also reportedly demonstrated in front of Japan's de facto representative office in Taipei on Thursday, demanding an apology from Tanaka.