China Warns Japan Against “Playing With Fire” Over Taiwan Issue

china has issued one of its most severe warnings to japan in recent years after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested that Tokyo could consider military retaliation if China attacked Taiwan. beijing condemned the remarks as blatant interference in China’s internal affairs and a direct challenge to the post-war international order.

At a press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian delivered a strong message to Tokyo, stating that Japan must “immediately cease its wrong and provocative statements and actions” related to Taiwan. He added, “Japan must fully repent for its war crimes and stop playing with fire on the Taiwan question. Those who play with fire will perish.”

Lin criticized Takaichi’s comments in the Japanese Diet last week, arguing that her statements clearly implied potential military engagement in the Taiwan Strait. “She refused to retract her remarks despite our serious protests and démarches,” he said. “These comments flagrantly violate the four China–Japan political documents, the one-China principle, and basic norms of International Relations.”

According to Lin, Japan’s stance represents a direct infringement on China’s sovereignty, and Beijing “will hold Japan accountable for all consequences” if Tokyo does not withdraw the statements.

Invoking history, Lin noted that this year marks the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s return and China’s victory over Japanese aggression in World War II. He accused Japan of reviving militarist rhetoric under the pretext of national defense. Any Japanese military involvement in Taiwan, he warned, would be viewed as hostile action. “China will firmly exercise its right to self-defense under the UN Charter if Japan dares to intervene,” he cautioned.

The diplomatic tension has escalated rapidly this week. Several senior Japanese lawmakers have called for the expulsion of China’s Consul General in Osaka, Xue Jian, following his inflammatory social media posts. Meanwhile, a CCTV-linked account labeled PM Takaichi a “troublemaker” who would “face the consequences.”

Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi responded saying Tokyo would “strongly urge China to act responsibly,” though he did not confirm whether the consul general would be expelled.