Play with fire and perish: China issues sharp warning to Japan on Taiwan issue

China has issued one of its sharpest warnings to Japan in years, accusing Tokyo of playing with fire after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested Japan could respond militarily if China attacked Taiwan. Beijing said the remarks amount to crude interference in its internal affairs and a challenge to the post-war order.

At a press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Beijing’s message to Tokyo is clear. “Japan must fully repent for its war crimes, immediately stop its wrong and provocative statements and actions that interfere in China’s internal affairs, and stop playing with fire on the Taiwan question,” he said. “Those who play with fire will perish by it.”

Lin criticised Takaichi’s comments in the Diet last week, saying they hinted at possible armed intervention in the Taiwan Strait. “Despite our serious dmarches and protests, she refused to take back her remarks,” Lin said. “These statements grossly violate the one-China principle, the four China-Japan political documents, and the basic norms of international relations.”

He said the comments amounted to a direct infringement on China’s sovereignty and warned that all consequences must be borne by the Japanese side if Tokyo fails to retract the remarks.

Invoking history, Lin reminded Japan that this year marks the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over Japanese aggression and the recovery of Taiwan. He accused Japan of reviving militarist language under the pretext of national self-defence. Lin warned that any Japanese military involvement in Taiwan would be treated as an act of aggression. “If Japan dares to intervene, China will firmly exercise its right to self-defence under the UN Charter,” he said.

The dispute has escalated tensions this week. A CCTV-linked social media post called Takaichi a troublemaker who would have to pay the price, while senior Japanese lawmakers demanded the expulsion of China’s Consul General in Osaka,, Xue Jian, over inflammatory comments online.

Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said Tokyo would strongly urge China to act responsibly, but did not comment on whether the diplomat would be expelled.

– Ends

(With inputs from Reuters)

Tune In