Japan's meddling in Taiwan fiercely opposed

A Chinese mainland spokeswoman on Wednesday urged Taiwan compatriots to clearly recognize the dangers and harmful consequences of Japan's recent remarks, while warning the Democratic Progressive Party authorities against colluding with external forces in pursuit of "independence".

Recently, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said in a meeting of the Diet, the national legislature of Japan, that the mainland's "use of force on Taiwan" could constitute a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan, implying the possibility of Japan's armed intervention in the Taiwan Strait. Takaichi subsequently refused to retract her position despite strong condemnation from China.

Zhu Fenglian, spokeswoman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said Takaichi's comments amounted to an attempt to intervene in the Taiwan Strait, deny the achievements of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), and revive militarism.

Reiterating that the Taiwan question is China's internal affair and allows no external interference, Zhu urged Japan to "immediately stop meddling in China's internal affairs, cease provocative actions that cross the line, and avoid going further down the wrong path".

She stressed that the Taiwan question must be resolved by the Chinese people on both sides of the Strait, warning that "should Japan dare to intervene in Taiwan-related matters, we will strike back head-on and completely crush its schemes of aggression".

Zhu called on Taiwan compatriots to fully recognize the dangers posed by Japan's actions and, together with compatriots on the mainland, resolutely oppose all "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and external interference.

On the island, Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te claimed that the mainland is conducting a "composite attack" on Japan and argued that the mainland should not become a "troublemaker" for regional peace and stability. Lin Chia-lung, head of Taiwan's "foreign affairs department," also asserted on Sunday that "relations between Taiwan and Japan are entering a new era".

In response, Zhu said the root cause of tensions on the Strait lies in the DPP authorities' stubborn adherence to a "Taiwan independence" separatist stance and their collusion with external forces to provoke confrontations.

She warned that any such acts aimed at seeking "independence" will face firm countermeasures, calling the DPP's attempt to rely on foreign support "a futile and delusional endeavor".

Following Takaichi's remarks, more than 30 civil groups in Taiwan also condemned her comments in a joint statement, declaring that the people of Taiwan reject becoming victims of Japanese militarism.

In response to another media report saying that Lai Ching-te is seeking to "transit" through the United States before the end of the year, Zhu voiced firm opposition to such acts in any form and under any pretext.

"We urge the US side to adhere to the one-China principle and relevant provisions of the three China-US joint communiques, cope with the Taiwan question with double prudence, and not to send any wrong signals to 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces," Zhu said.

lishangyi@chinadaily.com.cn