China has issued a strong diplomatic rebuke to Japan after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that the use of force against Taiwan could constitute a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan. The remarks triggered a sharp response from Beijing, which accused Tokyo of violating the one-China principle and interfering in what it considers a strictly internal matter.

During a press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian condemned the Prime Minister’s comments as “a blatant intrusion into China’s internal affairs” and warned that they revive “militarist rhetoric rooted in Japan’s wartime aggression.” Beijing argued that such statements undermine the post-World War II international order, in which Japan renounced military aggression and adopted a pacifist constitution.

Lin reiterated China’s long held position that Taiwan is part of China, and that questions regarding the island’s status must be decided solely by “the Chinese people.” Any involvement by Japan in cross Strait issues, he said, amounts to provocation and risks destabilising regional security.

“If Japan chooses to play with fire, it must bear all the consequences,” Lin warned, signalling that China views the Prime Minister’s remarks as a serious escalation.

Tensions between China and Japan have risen in recent years as Tokyo strengthens security ties with the United States and expresses growing concern about China’s military posture near Taiwan. Analysts say Beijing’s reaction underscores its sensitivity to any foreign statements that could be interpreted as support for Taiwanese self-defence or independence.

The Japanese government has not yet issued a formal response to Beijing’s criticism.