China formally summoned Japan’s ambassador to protest remarks made by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who stated that a Chinese military attack on Taiwan could pose a survival threat to Japan and might require a response. Beijing condemned the comments as interference in its internal affairs, calling them “erroneous and dangerous.”
Chinese officials reiterated that Taiwan is a core national interest and warned against any foreign involvement in the issue. Japan’s ambassador rejected China’s accusations and clarified the context of Takaichi’s statement during the discussions.
Japan also protested a post made by the Chinese consul general in Osaka, who used inflammatory language in response to Takaichi’s remarks. Tokyo requested appropriate action regarding the comment.