Beijing has issued a stern warning to Tokyo, promising a “firm response” if Japan intervenes in the situation regarding Taiwan. The declaration from the Chinese Foreign Ministry comes after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested that a conflict in the Taiwan Strait could pose a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated on Thursday that any Japanese interference in the cross-Straits situation would be considered an act of aggression. This strong diplomatic message follows remarks made by Prime Minister Takaichi during a Diet session, where she implied that Japan’s Self-Defense Forces could be mobilized under the principle of collective self-defense if the Chinese mainland were to use military force against Taiwan [1].
“The wrongful remarks grossly violate the one-China principle, the guiding principles set forth in the four China-Japan political documents, and the basic norms of international relations,” Lin asserted. “That constitutes a blatant interference in China’s internal affairs, a challenge to China’s core interests, and infringement on China’s sovereignty.”
Despite formal protests from China, Prime Minister Takaichi has refused to retract her statements, maintaining that her position is consistent with the Japanese government’s long-held views.
Historical Context and Regional Concerns
Spokesperson Lin drew parallels between the current rhetoric and Japan’s past military actions, referencing the 1931 September 18th Incident, which was used as a pretext for aggression. “What’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi up to by reviving the phrase ‘survival-threatening situation’?” Lin questioned, asking if Japan intends to repeat its history of militarism and challenge the post-World War II international order.
The Prime Minister’s comments have also generated significant backlash within Japan. Former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba criticized Takaichi’s remarks, noting that previous administrations had deliberately avoided making such definitive statements on the Taiwan issue. The Komeito party, formerly part of the ruling coalition, has also launched pointed criticism against the Takaichi cabinet’s increasingly hawkish stance.
Da Zhigang, director of the Institute of Northeast Asian Studies at the Heilongjiang Provincial Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times that Takaichi’s statements are part of a broader strategy to move away from Japan’s post-war pacifist constitution. This includes efforts to revise the constitution, increase the defense budget, and align more closely with the United States’ “Indo-Pacific Strategy,” which could escalate regional tensions and fuel an arms race [1]
International Reactions
The United States has also weighed in on the matter. A US State Department spokesperson reiterated the U.S. commitment to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and its opposition to any unilateral changes to the status quo. In response, Lin Jian emphasized that the Taiwan question is a core interest for China and a “red line” in China-US relations that must not be crossed.
“How to resolve the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese ourselves and brooks no external interference,” Lin concluded.
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