Taiwan President Urges China Not to Be a "Troublemaker" Amid Criticism of Japan

"China Undermining Regional Peace and Stability"

As tensions escalate between China and Japan over Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks about possible intervention in a Taiwan contingency, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has stepped forward to criticize China.

According to foreign media outlets including the Central News Agency (CNA) of Taiwan on the 17th, President Lai Ching-te stated during the opening ceremony of the National Archives that China is undermining regional peace and stability, and should not become a "troublemaker."

President Lai said, "China's hybrid attacks against Japan are causing a serious shock to the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region," adding, "I urge the international community to continue to keep a close watch on this."

He continued, "China must exercise restraint and demonstrate the dignity of a major power," emphasizing, "It should not become a troublemaker that disrupts regional peace and stability, and must return to the path of a rules-based international order."

When asked about former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou, who is known for his pro-China stance, criticizing Prime Minister Takaichi's remarks as "reckless," President Lai responded, "(George Glass) the U.S. Ambassador to Japan has already issued a statement saying that Prime Minister Takaichi's remarks will help enhance U.S.-Japan relations and contribute to regional peace and stability."

President Lai also commented, "It is inappropriate, especially for opposition politicians, to interpret Japan's political actions in a negative light."

Previously, on the 7th, Prime Minister Takaichi stated in the House of Representatives that, for the first time as a sitting Japanese prime minister, a "Taiwan contingency" could be considered a "state of existential crisis" in which Japan could exercise its right of collective self-defense (use of force).

In response, China has issued strong criticism and advised its citizens to refrain from visiting Japan for purposes such as studying abroad or tourism. As a result, major Chinese airlines have decided to allow free cancellations and changes for flights to Japan.

Lai Ching-te Taiwan President Yonhap News