China warns Japan of “serious consequences” over Taiwan remarks

BEIJING: China has issued a stern warning to Japan, saying Tokyo will “pay a heavy price” if it crosses Beijing’s red lines regarding Taiwan.

The sharp response came after recent comments by the Japanese Prime Minister about the situation in Taiwan. Beijing criticised the remarks as interference in its internal affairs.

A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Defense said the Chinese military is “fully capable of defeating any adversary” and will take all necessary measures to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity.

The spokesperson added that any “practical steps” by Japan on the Taiwan question would trigger “serious consequences,” stressing that Taiwan remains an internal matter for China and that no foreign involvement would be tolerated.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump urged Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to avoid escalating tensions with China during a phone call this week, according to two Japanese government sources familiar with the discussion. The appeal came after Takaichi sparked a major diplomatic rift by suggesting in parliament that a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan that endangered Japan could justify a military response.

While Trump cautioned against further inflaming the situation, one source said he did not ask her to withdraw the remarks, which Tokyo maintains are consistent with its longstanding policy.

The call followed Trump’s separate conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who reiterated that reunifying Taiwan with China remains central to Beijing’s worldview.

Trump has declined to publicly confirm whether Taiwan was raised in either discussion, instead emphasizing strong US-China ties and progress toward a broad trade agreement. In a statement responding to Reuters, Trump highlighted that healthy US-China relations also benefit Japan, calling it a “dear and close ally.”