Tensions between China and Japan have intensified after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested that a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan could prompt a military response from Tokyo — triggering sharp rebukes from Beijing and raising fresh regional security concerns.

The dispute erupted following Takaichi’s remarks that a major crisis in the Taiwan Strait could directly threaten Japan’s national security. Under Japan’s security legislation, the Self-Defence Forces (SDF) may take military action if the nation’s existence is deemed at risk, a scenario Tokyo believes may apply should China launch an assault on Taiwan.

China swiftly condemned the comments. Defence Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin accused Japan of engaging in “dangerous provocation” and interfering in what Beijing considers an internal matter.

“The Taiwan issue is entirely China’s internal affair,” Jiang said. “Japan has not engaged in deep reflection over its grave crimes of aggression and colonial rule in Taiwan. Instead, it entertains the delusion of military intervention in the Taiwan Strait.”

“If the Japanese side dares to cross the line even half a step and brings trouble upon itself, it will inevitably pay a painful price,” he warned.

Jiang also asserted that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has “powerful capabilities and reliable means to defeat any invading enemy.”

The exchange comes as Japan moves forward with the deployment of a medium-range missile unit to Yonaguni Island, the country’s westernmost inhabited island located roughly 110 kilometres from Taiwan.

Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi confirmed the deployment is “steadily progressing,” a development Beijing criticized as a destabilizing step that heightens military tensions in the region.

Tokyo maintains the move is part of its broader defence overhaul aimed at deterring regional threats — particularly as Chinese military activity around Japan’s southwestern islands continues to increase.

Meanwhile, Taiwan rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims and insists the island’s future must be decided solely by its 23 million people. Taipei reports near-daily PLA aircraft and naval activity around the island, calling it part of China’s ongoing pressure campaign.

Security analysts say the escalating rhetoric highlights the risk of a broader regional confrontation. With Japan expanding its defence posture, China warning of severe consequences, and Taiwan facing mounting military pressure, the Taiwan Strait is becoming an increasingly dangerous flashpoint in East Asia.

Both Beijing and Tokyo appear firm in their positions — raising concerns that even a limited incident could spiral into a wider conflict involving major regional powers. (ILKHA)