The latest warning from Beijing comes amid the worst diplomatic rift between the two countries in years, after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested earlier this month that Japan might respond militarily if China attacked self-ruled Taiwan.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning condemned the move during a Monday press briefing, saying Japan’s actions were being driven by “right-wing forces” that were “leading Japan and the region toward disaster.” Mao added that China remained fully capable of safeguarding its territorial sovereignty.
Her remarks were prompted by comments from Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, who confirmed that preparations were “steadily moving forward” to deploy a medium-range surface-to-air missile unit on Yonaguni—Japan’s westernmost island, just 110km from Taiwan’s east coast.
According to Mao, the deployment is “extremely dangerous” and should alarm neighbouring nations and the global community, especially when combined with Takaichi’s earlier remarks suggesting Japanese involvement in a Taiwan conflict.
China has already responded forcefully to Tokyo’s recent positions—issuing harsh state media critiques, banning Japanese seafood imports, halting Japanese film releases, and advising Chinese citizens against travel to Japan. In mid-November, Beijing’s defence ministry even warned Japan of a “crushing” defeat if it attempted military intervention over Taiwan.
Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan, however, rejects China’s claim and insists that its future can only be decided by its own people.
In Taipei, Taiwan Deputy Foreign Minister Francois Wu said Japan had the sovereign right to strengthen its defences, noting the strategic proximity of Yonaguni. He added that Japan’s enhanced military preparedness could help stabilise the Taiwan Strait and support Taiwan’s national interests, emphasising that Tokyo holds no hostile intent toward the island.
Japan’s defence minister reiterated on Sunday that the missile deployment is aimed at protecting Yonaguni itself, arguing that “having this unit in place will actually lower the chances of an armed attack against our country.”
