A day after China issued a travel advisory discouraging its citizens from traveling to Japan due to escalating tensions surrounding Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s comments on Taiwan, Japan reiterated on Monday that “channels of communication are open.”
Tensions heightened following Takaichi’s statement to parliament on November 7, indicating that a potential Chinese assault on the democratically governed Taiwan could elicit a military response from Tokyo.
China asserts that Taiwan is part of its territory and has consistently stated that it may resort to force to enforce its control. Conversely, Taiwan firmly rejects Beijing’s claims of sovereignty.
In reaction to Takaichi’s remarks, Beijing summoned the Japanese ambassador for the first time in over two years. According to Reuters, China’s defense ministry cautioned that any Japanese intervention would be “doomed to fail.” Furthermore, Chinese Coast Guard vessels navigated through the waters surrounding the Senkaku Islands, referred to as Diaoyu in China.
On Friday, China released a travel warning advising its citizens against visiting Japan.
As reported by Reuters, Masaaki Kanai, the Japanese foreign ministry official in charge of Asia and Oceania affairs, traveled to Beijing to confer with his Chinese counterpart, Liu Jinsong.
“Various channels of communication are open,” stated Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary during a routine press briefing. “We have made a strong request for the Chinese side to take appropriate measures,” he continued, highlighting that travel warnings hinder efforts to foster strategic and mutually beneficial relations.
Meanwhile, the Chinese foreign ministry announced that Premier Li Qiang has no intention of meeting Takaichi during the upcoming G20 summit later this week in South Africa. Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stressed that Japan must retract its “incorrect” statements.
In the midst of the China-Japan dispute, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te accused China of executing a “multifaceted attack” on Japan.
“I urge the international community to maintain its focus and I also call on China to show restraint and exhibit behavior appropriate for a major power, instead of acting as a disruptor to regional peace and stability,” stated Lai.
