Beijing vehemently criticized Tokyo this week following remarks by Japan’s Prime Minister suggesting that Japan’s Self-Defence Forces (SDF) might intervene should a conflict erupt across the Taiwan Strait. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian condemned the statement made in the Japanese Diet, asserting that it constituted a severe violation of China’s internal affairs, a clear breach of the One-China principle, and an affront to established international norms.
The diplomatic spat underscores the escalating geopolitical tensions surrounding Taiwan and the delicate balance of relations between China and Japan, both major regional powers.
China Lodges Formal Protest Over Intervention Suggestion
During a regular press briefing on Monday, Lin Jian articulated Beijing’s deep dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the Japanese leader’s comments, describing the nature and consequences of the statement as “particularly grave.” China immediately lodged a formal protest, or “strong representations,” with the Japanese delegation.
Lin reiterated Beijing’s long-standing position: the Taiwan question is a purely internal matter, and the process of national reunification is not subject to external interference.
“Taiwan is an integral part of China,” Lin stated. “No external forces have the right to meddle in how the Taiwan question is resolved and national reunification is advanced.”
The spokesperson raised pointed questions regarding Tokyo’s motives, inquiring whether the remarks were designed to embolden pro-independence factions in Taiwan, test China’s core interests, or actively obstruct the path to reunification. He warned that such a stance could significantly jeopardize the future of Sino-Japanese relations.
Historical Context and Current Geopolitical Realities
Setting the controversy within a historical framework, Lin Jian highlighted several significant anniversaries this year, including the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the subsequent restoration of Taiwan to China.
Lin pointedly recalled Japan’s colonial rule over Taiwan and the atrocities committed during that period. He argued that any current attempt by Tokyo to intervene in cross-Strait affairs would constitute an “affront to international justice” and a challenge to the established post-war global order.
Beijing maintains that Japan’s political undertakings—including the four key China-Japan political communiqués—commit Tokyo to respecting China’s sovereignty and the One-China principle. Lin suggested the recent remarks effectively negated those commitments.
Beijing Urges Restraint and Adherence to Red Lines
China reaffirmed that its reunification is both “inevitable and imperative.” Lin assured the international community that the Chinese people possess the determination, confidence, and capability to thwart any attempts at interference or obstruction.
To prevent further deterioration of bilateral ties, Beijing issued a clear directive to Japan:
- Cease interfering in China’s internal affairs immediately.
- Refrain from provocative actions that cross defined “red lines.”
- Avoid compounding its existing errors through further inflammatory statements or actions.
This diplomatic confrontation is a critical reminder for regional actors and global stakeholders about the high-stakes nature of the Taiwan Strait issue. As military and civil rhetoric continues to harden, adherence to mutually agreed-upon diplomatic principles and conflict avoidance measures remains paramount for maintaining stability in East Asia. Analysts suggest that Tokyo’s comments, regardless of intent, signal a broader shift among U.S. allies toward a more engaged posture regarding cross-Strait security, a trend Beijing is actively resisting.