China has issued a stern Taiwan intervention warning to Japan following remarks by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. During a Diet session, Takaichi said a Taiwan emergency involving Chinese military action could become a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan. China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Thursday that any Japanese military action in the Taiwan Straits would be considered an act of invasion. Beijing promised a strong response.
Lin criticized Takaichi for refusing to retract her statement despite China’s earlier protests. He said her remarks violated the one-China principle and contradicted the four political documents guiding China-Japan relations. Lin stressed that Japan’s comments interfere with China’s internal affairs, challenge its core interests, and undermine national sovereignty.
The spokesperson referenced historical grievances, highlighting Japan’s past militarism. He mentioned that Japan previously used “survival-threatening situations” to justify aggression, including the September 18 Incident and colonial rule over Taiwan. Lin questioned whether Japan intends to repeat these historical mistakes.
China emphasized that Taiwan is a domestic matter and that reunification cannot tolerate foreign interference. Lin said Japan’s actions provoked the post-war international order and seriously threatened China-Japan relations. He warned Japan to reflect on past historical crimes and to immediately stop making provocative statements.
The Taiwan intervention warning signals Beijing’s commitment to defend sovereignty and territorial integrity under the UN Charter. China stressed it would exercise all rights to self-defense against foreign interference in Taiwan affairs.
Analysts note this warning raises tensions in East Asia and could affect military and diplomatic dynamics among China, Japan, and Taiwan. Japan’s statements may bolster domestic defense narratives, while China might intensify military readiness near the Taiwan Strait.
Looking forward, the Taiwan intervention warning shows that Beijing will respond decisively to perceived threats. Both governments face pressure to manage rhetoric carefully and avoid military escalation. Diplomatic channels are expected to remain active to prevent misunderstandings from triggering broader conflicts.
The Taiwan intervention warning has now become central in discussions on regional security and China-Japan relations, highlighting the sensitivity of cross-strait issues and historical tensions.
