China’s defence ministry warned on Thursday that Japan would face a “painful price” if it intervened in the Taiwan issue, intensifying tensions between the two Asian powers. The warning follows Tokyo’s plan to deploy missiles on an island close to Taiwan’s coast a move Beijing sees as a threat to its sovereignty.
Rising Diplomatic Tensions Over Taiwan
Relations between China and Japan have reached one of their lowest points in years. Earlier this month, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said that a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan could trigger a military response from Japan.
Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi confirmed on Sunday that Tokyo is pressing ahead with plans to station a medium-range surface-to-air missile unit on Yonaguni Island, roughly 110 km (68 miles) from Taiwan’s eastern coast. China’s foreign ministry had already condemned the decision, calling it provocative.
Asked about Japan’s missile deployment, China’s defence ministry said that resolving the Taiwan issue was “a matter for China alone.” The ministry stressed that Japan had no right to interfere, pointing to its colonial rule over Taiwan from 1895 to 1945.
Beijing’s Strong Warning
Defence ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin accused Japan of ignoring its historical responsibilities and “entertaining the delusion of military intervention” in the Taiwan Strait.
“The People’s Liberation Army has powerful capabilities and reliable means to defeat any invading enemy,” Jiang warned. “If the Japanese side dares to cross the line even half a step and bring trouble upon itself, it will inevitably pay a painful price.”
Beijing views Taiwan as part of its territory, while Taiwan’s democratically elected government rejects that claim. Taipei insists that only its people can decide the island’s future.
Taiwan’s Response and Calls for Peace
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te this week announced a new $40 billion defence budget to strengthen the island’s security over the next eight years. China criticised the move as wasteful and destabilising.
Responding to Beijing’s criticism, Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh said China’s own military spending was vastly higher. “If they could prioritise cross-strait peace, this money could improve the mainland’s economy and people’s livelihoods,” he said. “The two sides would not be at daggers drawn; that would be good for everyone.”
China’s military continues near-daily operations in the air and seas around Taiwan, which Taipei sees as part of Beijing’s ongoing campaign of harassment and intimidation.
(with inputs from Reuters)
