China on Monday sharply criticised Japan’s plan to deploy medium-range missiles on Yonaguni Island, located just 110 km from Taiwan, accusing Tokyo of deliberately provoking military confrontation.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said «right-wing forces in Japan» were pushing the region toward «disaster,» warning that Beijing remained «determined and capable» of defending its territorial sovereignty. Her comments come amid the worst diplomatic rift between the two nations in years, following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent suggestion that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could trigger a military response from Tokyo.
Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said over the weekend that preparations for the missile deployment were «steadily moving forward,» arguing the move is necessary to protect Yonaguni and could reduce the likelihood of an armed attack on Japan.
China has already retaliated against Tokyo’s tougher stance with bans on Japanese seafood, halts on movie releases and travel warnings for its citizens.
Taiwan, however, welcomed Japan’s actions. Deputy Foreign Minister Francois Wu told lawmakers in Taipei that Japan, as a sovereign nation, had the right to strengthen its defences and that enhanced security on Yonaguni could help maintain stability in the Taiwan Strait.
