Bijieng (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – China criticized Japan on Monday for its decision to proceed with deploying missiles on an island close to Taiwan, intensifying a diplomatic dispute that has been ongoing for weeks.
This month, Beijing-Tokyo relations have deteriorated as a result of statements made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi implying that Tokyo might use force to stop any attack on Taiwan.
Shinjiro Koizumi, Japan’s defence minister, was quoted by Japanese media on Sunday as saying that the missiles’ scheduled deployment on Yonaguni Island, which is near Taiwan, was proceeding as planned.
Why does China view Japan’s deployment as a provocation?
China’s foreign ministry on Monday expressed that Japan’s missile deployment was a
“deliberate attempt to create regional tension and provoke military confrontation”.
“Coupled with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s erroneous remarks on Taiwan, this trend is extremely dangerous and warrants high vigilance from neighbouring countries and the international community,”
foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning briefed journalists at a regular press briefing.
Following Japanese leader Sanae Takaichi’s statement in parliament that a Chinese attack on Taiwan would be a ‘situation threatening Japan’s survival,’ potentially prompting a military response from Tokyo, the two neighbors have become involved in a quickly intensifying dispute.
How is Tokyo justifying its missile strategy near Taiwan?
As reported by Bloomberg, Shinjiro Koizumi, during a visit to a military base near Taiwan, stated that plans to deploy missiles would progress amid ongoing tensions between Tokyo and Beijing over the East Asian island.
“The deployment can help lower the chance of an armed attack on our country,”
Koizumi told reporters on Sunday.
“The view that it will heighten regional tensions is not accurate.”
He also said that the ministry was still working on the project and would share details with the local government and people of Yonaguni when details are finalised.
How is Taiwan interpreting Japan’s strengthened defences?
Taiwan on Monday stated that Japan’s strengthening of military installations on Yonaguni
“helps maintain security in the Taiwan Strait”.
“Japan is a sovereign country and it has the right to do everything necessary to protect the security of its own territory, as long as such actions do not threaten other countries,”
Deputy Foreign Minister Wu Chih-chung briefed lawmakers.
“We believe this is helpful to our national interests, because Japan essentially has no territorial claims or hostility towards Taiwan.”
China considers democratic Taiwan to be part of its territory and has warned of the possibility of using force to bring the self-governing island under its control.
