Beijing: China has called on the United States to restrain Japan as tensions continue to grow over Taiwan. The appeal came after Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested that Tokyo could respond militarily if China launched an attack on Taiwan. The comments drew a strong response from Beijing, which accused Japan of reviving what it described as dangerous militaristic thinking.
In an editorial published by the People's Daily, the official newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party, China said the United States should prevent Japan from taking actions that could destabilize the region. The message appeared to be directed at Washington following recent phone calls between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump, and later between Trump and Prime Minister Takaichi.
The disagreement comes at a time when China and Japan are already engaged in a diplomatic dispute that has expanded into the international arena. Earlier this week, China took its concerns to the United Nations, accusing Japan of threatening military intervention and violating international norms. Japan rejected the complaint, calling it unsubstantiated and inaccurate.
The standoff intensified further when reports emerged that Japan plans to deploy missiles to Yonaguni Island, located close to Taiwan. China has criticized the move, saying it would increase tensions and threaten stability in East Asia.
Meanwhile, Taiwan has been watching the situation closely. The government in Taipei has not directly commented on the exchange between China and Japan, but analysts say the island is increasingly anxious as both sides increase military and political pressure.
The United States now finds itself in a delicate position. While Washington is a key ally of Japan and has a long standing commitment to supporting Taiwan's security, it also seeks to avoid a direct confrontation with China.
Reports in US media suggest that President Trump has encouraged Japan to lower the tone of its rhetoric in order to prevent further escalation.
The ongoing dispute has already affected diplomatic relations between China and Japan, and experts warn that if both sides continue to harden their positions, the situation could worsen.
Some observers believe the rivalry could soon lead to economic consequences and strained regional cooperation.
For now, all three governments are facing growing international pressure to reduce tensions and return to dialogue. However, with national interests and security concerns at stake, a clear solution remains uncertain.