China Accuses Japan’s New PM of ‘Crossing a Red Line’ Over Taiwan Intervention Remarks
JOHANNESBURG,SOUTH AFRICA - China has sharply criticized Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi following her comments regarding potential Japanese military intervention in a conflict over Taiwan,accusing her of “crossing a red line.” The rebuke came during the BRICS summit in Johannesburg, where both leaders were present.
Takaichi stated, “We are not closing the door. But it’s important for Japan to state clearly what needs to be said,” regarding a response to a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan. This stance marks a departure from previous Japanese administrations, which have voiced concerns about China’s threats to Taiwan but stopped short of explicitly outlining a military response.
Chinese Foreign minister Wang Yi responded with a letter to the United Nations, asserting china “must resolutely hit back” to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. He warned that if Japan “persists in its wrong course,” all nations have the right to “re-examine Japan’s past crimes” and “resolutely prevent the resurgence of Japanese militarism.”
Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry also condemned Wang’s letter, stating it “contains rude and unreasonable content” and “maliciously distorts historical facts,” further adding it violates Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits the threat or use of force.
Takaichi, a known Beijing hawk, has not yet spoken with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, despite both being at the Johannesburg meeting.
The escalating rhetoric underscores the growing tensions between China and Japan, especially concerning Taiwan, which China views as a renegade province. Japan is a key ally of the United States,which has long maintained a policy of “strategic ambiguity” regarding its response to a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan.China remains Japan’s largest export market after the United States.
