Tokyo issues a formal diplomatic protest after Beijing’s top diplomat warns against a revival of Japanese militarism, escalating tensions over Taiwan and defence policies.
TOKYO: Japan has lodged a formal diplomatic protest against China following sharp remarks from Beijing’s top diplomat at an international security conference.
The Japanese foreign ministry issued a “stern demarche” after Wang Yi accused “far-right forces” in Japan of seeking to revive militarism. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Wang warned that Japan would be “heading toward self-destruction” if it chose that path.
He urged the Japanese people not to be “manipulated or deceived” by such forces. Japan’s foreign ministry dismissed the claims as “factually incorrect and ungrounded” in a statement posted on social media platform X.
The ministry asserted that Japan’s efforts to strengthen its defence capabilities are a response to an increasingly severe security environment. It stated these measures are “not directed against any specific third country.”
Tensions between the two nations have been under heavy strain since Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made comments about Taiwan in November. Just weeks into her term, Takaichi said Japan would intervene militarily in any attack on the island.
Beijing claims self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory and has threatened to use force to bring it under its control. Takaichi, seen as a China hawk before becoming Japan’s first woman prime minister, recently reiterated her stance on bolstering defences.
She said last week that Japan would “steadfastly protect” its territory. The country hosts approximately 60,000 US military personnel as part of its security arrangements.
Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi clarified Japan’s position during a separate session at the Munich conference. The Japanese statement also criticised “countries in the international community that have been rapidly increasing their military capabilities in a non-transparent manner.”
Japan stated it “opposes such moves and distances itself from them,” in an apparent reference to China’s own military modernisation.