China Calls Japan a 'Military Attack Target' Over Taiwan Mention in Japan's Defense White Paper

Chinese Media Claim China's Military Power Surpasses Japan... "Japan Has Nowhere to Run" Military Warning
Chinese Foreign Ministry: "Will Not Tolerate Any Interference in Taiwan Issue"

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] Chinese media have labeled the mention of Taiwan in Japan's Defense White Paper as a provocation against China, warning that it will lead to unbearable serious consequences. This is the first time Taiwan has been explicitly mentioned in Japan's Defense White Paper.

According to the state-run Global Times on the 14th, Japan's 2021 Defense White Paper described the stability of the Taiwan Strait as more important than ever and stated that the area is under military threat from China. The White Paper also noted that stabilizing the situation surrounding Taiwan is important for Japan's security and the stability of the international community.

2021 Japan Defense White Paper Cover [Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding this, the Global Times interpreted the Japanese government's intention as trying to include the use of force (referring to the Self-Defense Forces) in Article 9 of the constitution. The media outlet pointed out that the Japanese government's move to amend the constitution is very aggressive and will cause a regression in history.

Chinese military expert Song Zhongping said, "The Japanese government is trying to use the Taiwan issue for constitutional revision," adding, "Japan also harbors intentions to sell weapons to Taiwan."

Professor Da Zegang of the Heilongjiang Academy of Social Sciences said, "Since the US-Japan Foreign and Defense Ministers (2+2) meeting held last March, Japan's provocations regarding the Taiwan issue have been repeated," and evaluated, "This White Paper makes the Japanese government's provocations clear."

The Global Times, citing military and diplomatic experts, warned that if Japan militarily intervenes in the Taiwan issue or acts as a US military base, Japan will become a target of military attacks. It further warned that China's military power surpasses Japan's, Japan is too close to China, and Japan has nowhere to run. It also claimed that the US cannot militarily defeat China in the Western Pacific region.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued an official warning regarding the mention of Taiwan in Japan's White Paper.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian stated at a regular briefing, "Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory and an internal matter of China," emphasizing, "China will not tolerate any form of interference in the Taiwan issue." He urged Japan to respect China's sovereignty and demonstrate sincerity in safeguarding regional peace and stability.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.