China warns Japan over Taiwan remarks as tensions spike

Beijing has accused Japan of crossing a red line after its new prime minister signalled that Tokyo could respond militarily if China takes action against Taiwan, a move China views as direct interference in a core sovereign issue.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday that comments by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggesting a potential Japanese intervention in response to a Chinese naval blockade or other action against Taiwan were “shocking” and dangerously provocative.

“It is shocking that Japan’s current leaders have publicly sent the wrong signal of attempting military intervention in the Taiwan issue, said things they shouldn’t have said, and crossed a red line that should not have been touched,” Wang said.

Calling the situation serious, Wang added that China must “resolutely respond” and warned that all countries have a responsibility to “prevent the resurgence of Japanese militarism”، framing the dispute in both strategic and historical terms.

The fallout has been immediate. Beijing has formally complained to the United Nations, with China’s ambassador Fu Cong warning that any Japanese military involvement would constitute aggression.

“If Japan dares to attempt an armed intervention in the cross-Strait situation, it would be an act of aggression,” he wrote. “China will resolutely exercise its right of self-defence under the UN Charter and international law and firmly defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Japan’s stance marks a noticeable shift in tone. While previous prime ministers expressed concern about China’s posture toward Taiwan, they avoided spelling out potential military responses. Takaichi has since refused to retract her remarks, although she said she would avoid discussing specific scenarios going forward.