China Hints at Economic Retaliation Over Japanese PM's Taiwan Intervention Remarks
Relations between China and Japan are becoming strained following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks about potential intervention in the event of a contingency in Taiwan. In an interview, Prime Minister Takaichi mentioned the possibility of Japan exercising its right to self-defense and intervening in a Taiwan emergency. On November 14th, the Chinese government advised its citizens to refrain from traveling to Japan. On November 16th, the Chinese Ministry of Education announced that it would carefully review any Chinese citizens planning to study in Japan. Three major Chinese airlines announced that free cancellations and changes would be available for flights to Japan from November 15th to December 31st.
Chinese state media hinted that the Chinese government would respond firmly to Japan. The dispatch of Chinese warships to waters near the Senkaku Islands (known as Diaoyu Islands in China) to conduct military displays is also contributing to heightened tensions in Sino-Japanese relations. The Japanese government has reportedly lodged a strong protest through diplomatic channels regarding the approach of Chinese warships to the Senkaku Islands. Experts analyze that China's response may be linked to President Xi Jinping's national image. It is seen as a response to domestic public opinion, viewing Prime Minister Takaichi's remarks as infringing on China's core interests. The Japanese government expressed regret over China's successive measures and stated that it is working to resolve the issue through dialogue.
Some suggest that China's strong stance is a reaction to U.S. pressure on China. The United States has recently strengthened its involvement in the Taiwan issue, which is a major source of pressure for China. As of now, the Chinese government has not made any additional official announcements, and the Japanese government is also maintaining a cautious stance. However, there are growing concerns that a prolonged conflict between the two countries could exacerbate security instability in Northeast Asia and have a negative impact on the entire international community.
