Photo/Illutration Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong speaks to reporters at Japan’s Foreign Ministry on Feb. 22, 2023. (Pool)

Beijing said on Nov. 14 it has lodged a protest with the Japanese ambassador to China regarding Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks about Japan taking action in a Taiwan contingency.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong summoned Ambassador Kenji Kanasugi on Nov. 13 and told him that Takaichi’s comments were “erroneous and dangerous, and crudely interfere in China’s internal affairs,” China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

In a Diet session on Nov. 7, Takaichi said a Chinese military attack on Taiwan could constitute a survival-threatening situation for Japan, which would force Japan to respond.

Sun expressed “strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition” to Takaichi’s remarks.

“Despite repeated strong protests from the Chinese side, (the prime minister) refuses to retract the erroneous remarks,” he said.

He continued: “The Taiwan issue is the core of China’s core interests and is a red line that must not be crossed. If anyone attempts to interfere with the great cause of China’s reunification, China will inevitably strike back.”

According to the Japanese Embassy in Beijing, Kanasugi rebutted China’s claims and explained the intent of Takaichi’s remarks and the Japanese government’s position.

Additionally, Kanasugi strongly protested a social media post by Xue Jian, the Chinese consul general in Osaka, concerning Takaichi’s remarks about Taiwan.

“The filthy head that recklessly sticks itself in must be cut off without a moment’s hesitation,” he wrote.

Kanasugi demanded appropriate action from the Chinese side regarding the post.

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