Editor's note: Xu Chuanbo, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is an assistant researcher at the Military Political Work Research Institute of the PLA Academy of Military Sciences. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

On July 26, 1945, China, the U.S., and the UK issued the Potsdam Declaration, calling for the unconditional surrender of Japan. Eighty years later, as we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, the international situation has undergone a tremendous change. Regional conflicts are surging, and the world is facing a "great transformation unseen in a century." But the spirit of the Potsdam Declaration still remains relevant to resolve the new conflicts.

Rise of populism in Japan

In Japan's House of Councillors election on July 20, the newly established far-right Sanseito party saw its seats soar from one to 15, becoming a significant political force in Japanese politics. The implications cannot be overstated, given the party's slogans such as "Japanese first" and "anti-immigration."

In the same election, independent candidate Masahiro Harada was voted in as a city councilor in Nara. A YouTuber infamous for exploiting Internet traffic and distorting facts, Harada fabricated allegations such as "Chinese tourists kicking deer" and "Chinese stealing electricity" to woo voters. The Japanese media called him a "nuisance."

Prolonged economic stagnation and the rising cost of living has fueled the rise of populism in Japan. Some "political celebrities" are increasingly blaming domestic woes on foreigners to deflect public frustration with the leadership and win support.

This evokes troubling historical parallels. Before World War II, Japanese militarism similarly instigated the public to justify its foreign aggressions, which eventually brought disaster to Asia and beyond. That is why the Potsdam Declaration states, "There must be eliminated for all time the authority and influence of those who have deceived and misled the people of Japan into embarking on world conquest, for we insist that a new order of peace, security and justice will be impossible until irresponsible militarism is driven from the world."

Today, it is essential to uphold the spirit and principles of the Potsdam Declaration to counter the rise of populism and other dangers.

DPP and rampant separatism

Separatist actions also pose a serious challenge to the post-World War II international legal system established by the Potsdam Declaration. According to Article 8 of the declaration, "The conditions of the Cairo Declaration will be implemented, and Japan's sovereignty will be limited to Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku, and the small islands that we have determined it can possess."

The Cairo Declaration by China, the U.S. and UK, issued to restrain and punish Japan's aggression, explicitly states that Taiwan and the Penghu Islands in the Taiwan Straits, and other “territories Japan has stolen from the Chinese” must be returned.

But in recent years, Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has been deliberately trying to sever the common cultural ties between the region and the Chinese mainland to incite separatism. In 2024, under the DPP's manipulation, the "Modern Chinese History" course was removed from the general education of Taiwan military academies and replaced with "World History," a move to further dilute the identification of Taiwan's youth with Chinese history.

The development of any society must be based on respect for history. Those who deny their ancestors will eventually be denied by their descendants. The ultimate outcome of separatism is a tree without roots that can never stand up or survive.

Foreign hegemony in South China Sea

For a long time, the U.S. has been a disruptor in the South China Sea. It holds an annual joint military exercise in the South China Sea with the Philippines, the largest such exercise in the history of the two nations. This year, Australia, Canada, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK also participated.

Japan's participation began since last year. The same year, it also signed an agreement with the Philippines to deploy Japanese Self-Defense Forces within the Philippines’ borders. In early 2025, the U.S. taught the Vietnamese Coast Guard "fleet tactics" to encircle Chinese Coast Guard ships, and provided Vietnam with radar equipment to monitor incoming and outgoing ships.

The U.S. and Japan hope this will encourage expansion and provocative actions by the Philippines and Vietnam in the South China Sea. These actions are a blatant provocation against China's legitimate territorial sovereignty in the South China Sea and a serious violation of the spirit of the Potsdam Declaration.

China has indisputable sovereignty over the South China Sea Islands and the surrounding waters, which has a historical and legal basis. The hegemonic behavior of the U.S, Japan and other countries outside the region, inciting the Philippines and Vietnam to occupy China's territory in the South China Sea, is a disruption to the post World War II international order and violates the basic spirit of a series of international legal documents.

Potsdam principles must guide global conduct

The Potsdam Declaration is a foundational document that helped shape the post-war international order and laid the foundation for world peace and stability. Its spirit remains highly relevant today as well. Upholding this spirit is key to counter the rise of populism, separatism and hegemonism, foster international dialogue and cooperation, and safeguard national unity and territorial integrity.

It is essential for promoting peaceful resolution of disputes, and ultimately maintaining world peace and stability. This is the enduring practical significance of the Potsdam Declaration.

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