China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed strong condemnation of Japan’s recent statements regarding Taiwan, calling them “shocking” and a dangerous misstep. The comments, made in an official statement on Sunday, highlight growing tensions that have rattled China-Japan relations for over two weeks.
Wang, the most senior Chinese official to publicly comment on the matter, warned that Japan’s actions have crossed a red line that must never be breached. He accused Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of signaling potential military intervention in Taiwan. This refers to Takaichi’s November 7 parliamentary remarks, where she suggested that a hypothetical Chinese attack on democratically governed Taiwan could prompt a Japanese military response.
The diplomatic row, described as the most serious China-Japan crisis in recent years, has already affected trade and cultural exchanges. On Friday, China raised the issue with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, asserting its commitment to self-defense.
Beijing continues to view Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to enforce its claim. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s government maintains that only its people can decide their future, rejecting Beijing’s assertions.
Japan’s Foreign Ministry has not immediately responded to Wang’s statements. However, in response to China’s UN letter, the ministry dismissed the claims as “entirely unacceptable” while reaffirming Japan’s commitment to peace. Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry also condemned China’s letter, calling it “rude, unreasonable, and a malicious distortion of historical facts,” and noted it violates the UN Charter’s Article 2(4), which prohibits threats or use of force in international relations.
Wang emphasized that China “must resolutely hit back” to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to protect the postwar achievements won through great sacrifice. He further warned that if Japan continues down this path, nations and peoples worldwide have the right to reassess Japan’s historical actions and prevent a resurgence of militarism.
The dispute carries significant economic stakes. China remains Japan’s largest export market after the United States, importing around US$125 billion in Japanese goods in 2024, mainly industrial equipment, semiconductors, and automobiles.
As tensions simmer, experts urge both sides to prioritize dialogue over escalation, underscoring the fragile balance in regional stability. While the rhetoric has been sharp, the path forward will likely require careful diplomacy to prevent further deterioration of ties.
