Key points
- China reacted strongly to Takaichi’s comments, which Beijing described as a violation of international law.
- The Chinese Foreign Ministry emphasised its commitment to protecting foreign nationals within China.
- Top Japanese and Chinese officials held high-level talks in Beijing to address the diplomatic friction.
- The dispute highlights rising regional tensions around Taiwan and the broader security landscape in East Asia.
ISLAMABAD: China has vowed to “protect the safety of foreign citizens in the country” as tensions with Japan escalate over remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggesting that Tokyo could intervene militarily if China attacked Taiwan.
The diplomatic spat emerged after Takaichi, Japan’s Prime Minister, signalled that Japan might consider military measures should China take action against Taiwan. Beijing has not ruled out the use of force to implement the One-China Policy in Taiwan, and Takaichi’s remarks were seen as a provocative escalation.
Speaking to reporters, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said: “The Chinese government has always and will continue to protect the safety of foreign citizens in China in accordance with the law.”
Mao confirmed that during bilateral consultations in Beijing, China lodged a strong protest with Japanese officials, calling Takaichi’s remarks “erroneous” and asserting that they “seriously violate international law and the basic norms governing international relations.” She added that the statements “fundamentally damage the political foundation of China-Japan relations.”
The discussions involved Masaaki Kanai, Japan’s top official for Asia-Pacific affairs, and his Chinese counterpart Liu Jinsong. AFP journalists observed Takaichi leaving Beijing’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs shortly before 2:00 pm local time (0600 GMT).
China-Japan relations have been strained for decades over territorial disputes in the East China Sea, particularly the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands, and differences in security policies. Recent rhetoric from Tokyo regarding Taiwan marks one of the most confrontational in recent years.
The warnings and protective assurances for foreign nationals come amid broader regional concerns about stability, tourism, trade, and student exchanges, as both countries navigate heightened diplomatic tensions in the Asia-Pacific.
