Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi issued a stern warning to Japan on Sunday, accusing its new leader, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, of “crossing a red line” with remarks suggesting potential military intervention in Taiwan. Wang described Takaichi’s comments, which implied that Japan could respond militarily to a Chinese naval blockade or other actions against Taiwan, as “shocking” and a violation of diplomatic norms. In a statement published on the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s website, Wang emphasized that China must “resolutely respond” to such provocations and called on the international community to prevent the resurgence of Japanese militarism. The escalating tensions were further highlighted by a letter from China’s U.N. Ambassador Fu Cong to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, criticizing Takaichi’s remarks as a “grave violation of international law.” Fu asserted that any armed intervention by Japan in the Taiwan Strait would be considered an act of aggression, and China would defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity under the U.N. Charter. Beijing views Taiwan, a self-ruled island and former Japanese colony, as an inseparable part of its territory and opposes any foreign involvement, particularly from the U.S. and its Asian allies, including Japan and the Philippines. Takaichi’s stance marks a departure from previous Japanese leaders, who expressed concern over China’s threats to Taiwan but avoided specifying potential military responses. While Takaichi refused to retract her comments, she stated she would refrain from discussing specific scenarios in the future.
Japan ‘crossed a red line’ with Taiwan military intervention remarks, Chinese foreign minister says
