China sharply criticizes Japan’s Prime Minister for meeting Taiwanese officials amid regional tensions
In light of recent developments in international relations, China has openly expressed disapproval of Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s meeting with Taiwanese officials during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.
According to Bloomberg, Tokyo also faced criticism for her subsequent social media posts, which confirmed the encounter.
Specifically, Takaichi met with Taiwanese President-elect Tsai Ing-wen’s adviser, Lin Xinyi, on October 31 and November 1, with intentions to deepen cooperation between Japan and Taiwan.
However, Beijing responded strongly, calling these actions highly provocative and dangerous for regional stability.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Saturday, October 1, condemned these steps, describing them as unprecedented provocation and a serious threat to peace in the region.
Moreover, Beijing expressed concern that the Japanese government deliberately held this meeting and publicly announced it on social networks, which could escalate tensions.
The incident occurred shortly after Takaichi’s official meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the APEC summit, emphasizing the delicate geopolitical balance Japan is trying to maintain amid competing interests from China and the United States, its security partner.
This situation continues to test the fragile equilibrium in the Asia-Pacific region, as China escalates military activities around disputed archipelagos, enforces export restrictions, and worries about stability in the Taiwan Strait, highlighting the complicated and volatile nature of regional geopolitics.