Beijing has criticised Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for “seriously damaging bilateral ties and challenging post-war international order” over her remarks last week that Japan could deploy its military in the event of a contingency involving Taiwan.
Advertisement
Takaichi on Friday told the Japanese parliament that a Taiwan contingency involving the use of military force could be interpreted as a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan, which could allow Tokyo to engage in military action alongside US forces.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian on Monday blasted Takaichi’s assertion, saying it “constitutes a blatant interference in China’s internal affairs, seriously violates the one-China principle” and that Beijing had lodged a protest with Tokyo.
“What signal does the Japanese leader intend to send to ‘Taiwan independence’ forces with these remarks?” Lin continued.
“Is Japan attempting to challenge China’s core interests and obstruct the cause of national reunification? Where exactly does Japan want to take China–Japan relations?” he added.
Advertisement