Beijing: Japan has crossed the red line!

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday that by threatening China with military action, the Japanese Prime Minister has “crossed the red line” and sent the wrong message to the world.

He referred to recent statements by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who said that if China were to impose a naval blockade or take other military actions against Taiwan, it could prompt a Japanese military response.

Wang Yi described these remarks as “shocking” and wrote in a statement on the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s website: “It is astonishing that current Japanese leaders have openly sent the wrong signals regarding attempts at military intervention in the Taiwan issue. They have spoken words they should not have, crossing a red line that should not have been touched.”

Wang Yi, the highest-ranking Chinese official to comment on these tensions so far, added that China must “respond decisively” and that all countries have a duty to prevent Japan’s resurgence of militarism.

China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has repeatedly warned other countries against any actions that could provoke the island toward secession.

Takaichi has taken a firmer stance than previous Japanese prime ministers. While past leaders had made statements in support of Taiwan, they were less explicit about how Japan would respond publicly.

The Japanese Prime Minister later did not retract her comments but said that in the future she would refrain from discussing specific scenarios.