China Summons Japanese Ambassador over 'Erroneous' Statements on Taiwan
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After former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's recent statements, China summons Japan's ambassador to Beijing, telling him that his comments "openly challenged China's sovereignty."
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Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Beijing
Today, China's Foreign Ministry summoned Japan's ambassador to Beijing for an "emergency meeting" after former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declared that if China attacked Taiwan, neither his country nor the United States could stand by.
In a meeting with ambassador Hideo Tarumi, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Hua Chunying labeled Abe's remarks as "erroneous" and a violation of the basic rules of Sino-Japanese ties, according to a statement from China's Foreign Ministry.
Hua said that Abe's "comments "openly challenged China's sovereignty and gave brazen support to Taiwan independence forces."
The Foreign Ministry said that "China is resolutely opposed to this," adding that Hua had made "stern representations" to Japan.
On December 1st, Wang Wenbin, The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said in a press conference: "Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe blatantly babbled utter nonsense and wantonly leveled criticism on the Taiwan question," adding that he had made "presumptuous remarks about China’s internal affairs."
Wang Wenbin added that "China deplores and rejects this and has lodged stern representations with the Japanese side through diplomatic channels."
Xi: for a peaceful reunification with Taiwan
On October 6, Chinese President Xi Jinping vowed to achieve reunification with Taiwan and warned against foreign interference after a Pentagon official confirmed US special operations forces have been discreetly training Taiwanese troops for months.
China's President Xi Jinping had pledged that a complete "peaceful reunification" with Taiwan "will be and can be realized."
"Realising national reunification by peaceful means best serves the interests of the nation as a whole including our brethren in Taiwan," mentioned Xi in a speech marking the 110th anniversary of the 1911 revolution that ended millennia of imperial rule and led to the founding of the Republic of China.
Abe: A Taiwan emergency is a Japanese emergency
Yesterday, Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said: "A Taiwan emergency is a Japanese emergency, and therefore an emergency for the Japan-US alliance. People in Beijing, President Xi Jinping in particular, should never have a misunderstanding in recognizing this."
"A stronger Taiwan, a thriving Taiwan, and a Taiwan that guarantees freedom and human rights are also in Japan's interests. Of course, this is also in the interests of the whole world," Abe claimed.
It is worth noting that Japan hosts major US military bases. While the US claims it is bound by law to provide Taiwan with the means to “defend itself”, it does not clarify whether it would send forces to Taiwan in case a war breaks out.
On his part, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned last month that the United States and its allies would take unspecified "action" if China were to use force to alter the status quo over Taiwan, despite continuous US claims of non-interference.
