Beijing has warned that any Japanese military involvement in the Taiwan Strait would be regarded as “an act of aggression” and vowed to strike back in response, marking the latest twist in a diplomatic spat over Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on Taiwan.
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The Chinese foreign ministry made the comments on Thursday – just days after Beijing lodged a protest over Takaichi’s remarks last week that Japan could deploy its military in the event of a cross-strait conflict.
“If Japan dares to use military force to intervene in the Taiwan Strait, that will constitute an act of aggression, and China will strike back forcefully,” foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said.
“We will resolutely exercise the right of self-defence afforded by the United Nations Charter and international law and steadfastly defend our national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Beijing sees Taiwan as part of China to be reunited by force if necessary. Most countries, including Japan and the United States, do not recognise Taiwan as an independent state, but Washington is opposed to any attempt to take the self-ruled island by force and is committed to supplying it with weapons.
Takaichi told the Japanese parliament last week that the use of military force in the Taiwan Strait could be seen as a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan.
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