TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — China is warning its citizens against traveling to Japan, citing Japan Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s remarks about Taiwan if China invaded or blockaded the country, Bloomberg reported Friday.
According to Takaichi’s statement last week, any Chinese military action against Taiwan could be considered a “survival-threatening situation.” This could prompt Japan to exercise its constitutional right to collective self-defense, per the Japan Times.
It quoted Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian as saying: “If Japan dares to attempt an armed intervention in the Taiwan Strait situation, it would be an act of aggression and definitely meet a firm response from China.”
Furthermore, “We will firmly exercise our right to self-defense under the United Nations Charter and international law and defend China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Bloomberg quoted China as saying Takaichi’s comments would pose “major risks” to the safety of Chinese nationals. It said that Beijing has demanded that Takaichi retract her remarks and added that a state-run newspaper described them as Japan’s “first threat of force” against China in 80 years.
From Taiwan’s perspective, Takaichi’s comments are seen as a significant shift in Japan’s stance, reflecting growing concern over Beijing’s increasing military pressure regionally. Taiwan’s government has welcomed Japan’s support.
Japan does not have formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan but has reiterated its commitment to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, while also upholding its 1972 joint communique with China, which “understands and respects” Beijing’s position on Taiwan.
