TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Recent remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan could provoke a military response from Tokyo have led China’s ambassador to Japan to attempt to speak on behalf of Taiwan, per CNA.

Posting on X, Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao wrote on Tuesday, “The erroneous remarks of Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae continue to arouse dissatisfaction and criticism in Taiwanese society.” He then cited criticism of Takaichi by former President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) of the KMT and former KMT Chair Hung Hsiu-chu (洪秀柱).

Ma was quoted as saying Takaichi’s statement “harms the interests of the Taiwanese people.” The former president added that cross-strait issues should only be resolved by the two parties.

Hung’s quoted remarks described Takaichi’s words as “not only provocative” but also pushing Taiwan toward “the brink of danger.”

Taiwanese netizens posted replies that Ma and Hung did not speak for them, let alone Wu. “How can a Chinese person speak on behalf of Taiwan?” one asked.

Japanese netizens were also quick in their backlash against the Chinese ambassador who had attempted to speak for their southern neighbors.

“Japan-Taiwan friendship is rock solid,” wrote one. Another called on China to issue a statement forswearing the use of force against Taiwan, adding that Xi Jinping’s talk of “unification by force” is the real problem.