Unfortunately, politics in Japan is growing in influence and interference while its economy has been in stagnation for years.

Editor's note: CGTN's First Voice provides instant commentary on breaking stories. The column clarifies emerging issues and better defines the news agenda, offering a Chinese perspective on the latest global events.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul will visit China from December 8 to 9. Reports indicate the trip will focus on issues such as China-EU economic and trade relations.

As geopolitical challenges and tensions escalate globally, one thing is clear: fragmented politics will not fix a fractured planet.

Editor's note: Kong Qingjiang, a special commentator for CGTN, is the dean of the Academy for Foreign-related Rule of Law at China University of Political Science and Law.

As Hong Kong reels from the devastating fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po suburban district – an incident that has claimed more than 100 lives and taken the life of firefighter Ho Wai-hao – the city finds itself navigating one of the most difficult moments since its return to the motherland.

Although Hong Kong has been traumatized by the Tai Po fire tragedy which caused death, injury and destruction, everybody is pulling together to help the survivors and prevent any recurrence.

The achievements in China-US relations are primarily attributable to the collective efforts of the peoples of both countries, and the continued development of this relationship will rely even more on their support.

Peace is the irreversible tide of our times. Japan must confront its history with sincerity, abandon the path of militarism, and honor its obligations under international law.

Despite Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent gravely erroneous remarks on Taiwan that strained China-Japan relations, the Japanese government, instead of correcting the mistake, has resorted to highly orchestrated diplomatic theatrics.

In the face of mounting challenges, China and the US should demonstrate their responsibility as major countries. By adhering to mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, they can fully achieve mutual success and shared prosperity, and accomplish more great and concrete things for

During a recent party leaders' debate in the Diet, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi claimed that "(Japan), under the Treaty of San Francisco Peace, having renounced all rights" and "is not in a position to recognize Taiwan's legal status."

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi recently made erroneous remarks about China's Taiwan island during a hearing in the Diet, even blatantly suggesting possible military involvement in the Taiwan question.

On the evening of November 24, Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke by phone with US President Donald Trump. This was their first conversation since their successful meeting last month in Busan, South Korea.

Andy Mok, a special commentator for CGTN, is a professor at Beijing Foreign Studies University and a Senior Research Fellow at the Center for China and Globalization.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks openly challenge the justice of the international order and the bilateral political commitments between China and Japan, while severely undermining regional peace and stability.