Tokyo ‘closely monitoring’ backlash from China, Japanese PM tells lawmakers

One month after the Taiwan contingency remarks that set off the diplomatic firestorm with China, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Japan would “closely monitor” the situation and respond appropriately.

Takaichi delivered these remarks during a session of the Diet, Japan’s parliament, on Tuesday morning. She was addressing a draft supplementary budget aimed at funding a comprehensive economic package which her administration hopes to pass.

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Asked to address concerns on economic activities following China’s countermeasures – which have included a travel alert and cancelled concerts – Takaichi said the government was aware that “various situations are occurring” and would respond.

“We will closely monitor the situation, including the impact of China’s series of measures, and respond appropriately,” she said.

The row began during a Diet session on November 7, when Takaichi said that the “use of force against Taiwan” could constitute a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan, suggesting Tokyo would deploy its military forces during a conflict in the Taiwan Strait.

The remarks have drawn strong criticism from Beijing, which regards Taiwan as part of its territory, to be reunited by force if necessary. Japan and the US, like most countries, do not recognise Taiwan as an independent state, but Washington opposes any attempt to take the self-governed island by force and is legally bound to provide arms for its defence.

On Tuesday, Takaichi noted that Tokyo’s policy of reducing pending issues with Beijing and increasing understanding and cooperation remained “unchanged”.

South China Morning Post