hina has issued a sharp warning to Japan, saying Tokyo will pay a “painful price” if it interferes in the Taiwan issue. The statement comes as relations between the two countries hit their lowest point in years.
The warning followed Japan’s plan to deploy medium-range missiles on Yonaguni Island, located about 110 km from Taiwan. Japan’s Defence Minister, Shinjiro Koizumi, confirmed that preparations for the deployment are already underway.
Japan’s Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, recently said that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could force Japan to respond militarily. China’s defence ministry dismissed this as unacceptable, arguing that the Taiwan issue is an internal matter that does not concern Japan.
Chinese defence spokesperson Jiang Bin criticised Japan for what he described as “delusions of military intervention” and accused Tokyo of failing to recognise its past colonial rule over Taiwan from 1895 to 1945.
“The People’s Liberation Army has strong capabilities. If Japan crosses the line even half a step, it will surely pay a painful price,” Jiang warned during a press briefing.
Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, strongly rejects Beijing’s position. Taiwan’s elected government insists that only its people can decide their future.
This week, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te announced a plan to increase defence spending by an additional $40 billion over the next eight years. China criticised the move, calling it wasteful and harmful to Taiwan.
Responding to China’s criticism, Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council said China’s military spending is far greater and that peace across the Taiwan Strait would benefit both sides.
China’s military has been increasingly active around Taiwan, flying aircraft and sailing warships near the island almost every day. Taiwan says these actions are meant to intimidate the island and put pressure on its government.
The latest exchanges highlight rising tensions in East Asia, where the security of Taiwan has become a major global concern involving China, Japan, and the United States.
