China has issued a strong warning to Japan following Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s election victory, as tensions between the two countries flare over her remarks on Taiwan.
China on Monday warned Japan that any reckless actions would be met with a “resolute response”, a day after Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, seen as critical of Beijing, secured a landslide election victory.
The warning comes amid heightened tensions between the two countries following comments made by Takaichi in November, in which she suggested that Tokyo could intervene militarily in the event of an attack on self-ruled Taiwan.
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the democratic island under its control.
A spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry urged Japan to retract Takaichi’s comments and warned of consequences for any rash actions.
“If the far-right forces in Japan misjudge the situation and act recklessly, they will inevitably face resistance from the Japanese people and a resolute response from the international community,” foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a regular press briefing.
“We once again urge the Japanese side to retract the erroneous remarks made by Takaichi regarding Taiwan and demonstrate basic sincerity in safeguarding the political foundation of China–Japan relations through concrete actions,” he added.
Following Takaichi’s remarks in November, China discouraged its nationals from travelling to Japan, citing deteriorating public security and criminal acts against Chinese citizens.
Tensions escalated further in December when Chinese military aircraft reportedly locked radar onto Japanese jets, prompting Tokyo to summon Beijing’s ambassador.
Rare-earth curbs and panda departure
China has also reportedly restricted exports of rare-earth products to Japan, materials critical for industries ranging from electric vehicles to defence systems.
Last month, two giant pandas were returned from Tokyo to China, leaving Japan without the animals for the first time in 50 years.
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