China Protests Japan’s Remarks on Taiwan, Warns of Damage to Bilateral Relations

China has issued a strong protest to Japan following remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggesting that a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan could pose a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan. Beijing accused Tokyo of interfering in its internal affairs and warned that such statements could seriously harm relations between the two countries.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Monday that China had lodged “serious representations and protests” over Takaichi’s comments. Speaking at a regular press briefing in Beijing, Lin urged Japan to stop making what he described as provocative remarks regarding the Taiwan issue.

“Japanese officials’ attempt to meddle in cross-strait affairs will cause serious damage to China-Japan relations,” Lin said. He reiterated China’s long-standing position that Taiwan is an inalienable part of its territory and that the issue is an internal matter that brooks no foreign interference.

Takaichi’s remarks, made on Friday before Japanese lawmakers and reported by Kyodo News, underscored Tokyo’s growing security concerns about the rising tensions across the Taiwan Strait. The Japanese leader warned that a military conflict involving Taiwan could directly threaten Japan’s national security, given its geographical proximity and reliance on regional trade routes.

Japan has increasingly framed stability in the Taiwan Strait as vital to its own security, aligning itself more closely with the United States and other Western allies that have voiced support for Taiwan’s democracy. Analysts say Takaichi’s comments reflect Japan’s efforts to prepare for potential contingencies amid growing military activity by China in the region.

Beijing, however, sees such statements as a violation of Japan’s political commitments under the 1972 Joint Communiqué, which forms the foundation of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The agreement acknowledges Beijing as the sole legal government of China and recognizes Taiwan as part of Chinese territory.

“The Taiwan question concerns China’s core interests and allows no interference,” Lin added. “We urge Japan to respect China’s sovereignty, abide by the principles of the four political documents between the two countries, and stop making irresponsible comments.”

Relations between China and Japan have become increasingly strained in recent years over regional security issues, maritime disputes in the East China Sea, and Japan’s close security cooperation with the United States.

Takaichi’s administration has maintained that Japan will work to strengthen its defense capabilities and deepen cooperation with allies to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Yet Beijing’s latest warning signals that Tokyo’s position on Taiwan could become a flashpoint in an already delicate diplomatic relationship.