China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, described the actions of the Japanese leader who openly sent signals regarding Taiwan as shocking and dangerous, considering it a red line that Beijing cannot tolerate.
The statement marks the latest episode in a series of tensions that have shaken China-Japan relations for more than two weeks.
According to an official statement from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wang accused Japan of attempting to interfere in the Taiwan issue, including allegations that Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi gave the impression that Tokyo is prepared to take military action if China launches an attack on Taiwan.
The statement referred to Takaichi’s comments on November 7, where she stated that any hypothetical attack by China on Taiwan could trigger a military response from Japan.
This situation then sparked the biggest diplomatic crisis between the two countries in recent years.
The tension also spread to trade and cultural relations.
Last Friday, China brought the issue to the United Nations (UN), stating its position to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Beijing emphasized that Taiwan is part of China’s territory and did not rule out the use of force to reunify the island. In contrast, the Taiwanese government rejected the claim and asserted that only the people of Taiwan have the right to determine their future.
The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected China’s allegations as unacceptable and affirmed that Japan’s commitment to regional peace and stability remains unchanged.
Taiwan also condemned China’s action of sending a letter to the UN, describing it as misleading, distorting historical facts, and violating the UN Charter principles that prohibit threats or use of force in international relations.
Wang Yi stressed that China will take firm action against any moves deemed to undermine national sovereignty, not only to defend its territory but also to maintain post-war stability.
He also warned that if Japan continues on what he described as the wrong path, the international community has the right to reassess Japan’s military history and reject any revival of military approaches.
In the economic context, China remains Japan’s second-largest export market after the United States. In 2024, China imported about $125 billion worth of goods from Japan, particularly industrial equipment, semiconductors, and vehicles, according to UN COMTRADE data.
