Responding to questions at the Diet on November 7, Prime Minister Takaichi stated that a Taiwan emergency involving the use of military vessels or force from the Chinese mainland could constitute a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan. Under Japan’s existing security legislation, such a scenario would enable the Self-Defense Forces to exercise the right of collective self-defense, allowing Japan to take military action in coordination with allies if its survival is deemed at risk.
In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian criticized Takaichi’s comments, saying they were “wrongful remarks” that implied the possibility of Japan’s armed intervention in the Taiwan Strait. Lin described the remarks as a gross interference in China’s internal affairs and a violation of the one-China principle, as well as the principles set out in the four political documents between China and Japan. He also stated that the comments go against basic norms of international relations and are “egregious in both nature and impact.”
“China deplores and opposes these remarks and has made serious démarches and protests to Japan,” Lin said.
The spokesperson reaffirmed Beijing’s long-standing position that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China, emphasizing that how to resolve the Taiwan question and achieve reunification is purely China’s internal matter that “doesn’t tolerate any foreign interference.” Lin questioned Japan’s intentions, asking, “What signal is the Japanese leader trying to send to ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces? Is Japan attempting to challenge China’s core interests and obstruct its reunification? Where exactly does Japan want to take its relations with China?”
Lin also drew attention to the historical context, noting that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of the restoration of Taiwan. He accused Japan of having committed “innumerable crimes” during its colonial rule over Taiwan, calling Takaichi’s comments an affront to international justice, a provocation to the post-World War II order, and a serious blow to China-Japan relations.
Reiterating China’s firm resolve on the Taiwan issue, Lin stated, “China must and will achieve reunification. We, the Chinese people, have every resolve, will and conviction to thwart any external interference in and obstruction to China’s reunification.” He urged Japan to immediately stop interfering in China’s internal affairs, cease making provocations, and avoid crossing red lines that could further damage bilateral ties.
Disclaimer: This article is based on official statements from the Chinese Foreign Ministry and publicly available reports. It reflects the diplomatic exchanges between China and Japan as of November 2025.
