Tokyo (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Japan called on China Saturday to take “appropriate measures” following Beijing’s warning to Chinese citizens against visiting Japan, according to Kyodo news agency, amid the ongoing dispute over Taiwan.
Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stated that Japan had
“conveyed the message to China and strongly asked it to take appropriate actions,”
according to the report. He was not quoted as providing further details on the measures.
Kihara said Japan and China disagree on the matter, and it was important to maintain communication, Kyodo reported.
China, on Friday, cautioned Japan of a “crushing” military defeat if it employs force to interfere with Taiwan, and warned its citizens not to visit Japan amid the dispute triggered by remarks from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
Japanese leaders have historically refrained from openly mentioning Taiwan in such scenarios, upholding a stance of “strategic ambiguity” that is also supported by Tokyo’s primary security partner, the United States.
On Saturday, three Chinese airlines also announced via state media China News Service that tickets to Japan could be refunded or changed at no cost.
How did Takaichi’s Taiwan remarks escalate diplomatic tensions?
Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae stated in a Diet session that a military conflict in Taiwan could pose a serious threat to Japan. She said that a Chinese attack on Taiwan might create a survival-threatening situation, which could result in a military response from Tokyo.
China’s Consul General in Osaka, Xue Jian, shared a news article about Takaichi’s comments on Taiwan on X and remarked,
“the dirty neck that sticks itself in must be cut off”
in a now-deleted post.
The Japanese government responded by calling in the Chinese ambassador and filing a strong complaint with the Chinese consul-general in Osaka. This action was taken after the consul posted an “extremely inappropriate” comment on social media regarding the Japanese prime minister’s remarks about a possible Taiwan emergency.
Does China also respond by announcing military drills?
The China Maritime Safety Administration announced that live-fire exercises will take place in parts of the central Yellow Sea. These exercises will run continuously from Monday through Tuesday, and access to the area will be restricted. Official media CCTV did not provide specific details about the location.
How is Taiwan responding to rising tensions between Japan and China?
Karen Kuo, a spokesperson for Taiwan’s Presidential Office, stated that China’s travel restrictions on Japan, along with the live-fire drills in nearby areas, have highlighted regional changes. She expressed that Beijing’s politically motivated threats against Japan are a serious risk to security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
