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.

China on Friday accused the Philippines of “playing with fire” after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. suggested his country could be drawn into a potential conflict between China and the United States over Taiwan.

The warning from Beijing came in response to Marcos’ comments during a state visit to India, where he acknowledged that the Philippines’ geographical proximity to Taiwan and its large Filipino population on the island would likely necessitate involvement in any regional conflict.

“Because of our close proximity to Taiwan and the presence of many overseas Filipino workers, it would be impossible for us not to be affected,” Marcos said, adding that the Philippines would act according to its national interest and alliances.

The Chinese foreign ministry condemned the remarks as provocative and warned Manila against taking sides in what it described as an internal Chinese matter.

“We urge the Philippines to abide by the One China principle and stop playing with fire,” said a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “Any involvement in Taiwan-related issues under the pretext of alliance or geography will only lead to greater instability in the region.”

Rising Tensions in the Indo-Pacific

The exchange highlights growing friction in the Indo-Pacific, where longstanding territorial disputes and military buildups continue to draw in global powers. The Philippines, a long-standing U.S. ally, has recently strengthened defense ties with Washington, including expanded military access agreements under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). Several of these bases are located near Taiwan, heightening Beijing’s strategic concerns.

A Delicate Balancing Act

President Marcos has walked a fine line in balancing economic ties with China and security commitments to the United States. However, his administration has taken a more assertive stance on regional security than previous governments, particularly over maritime disputes in the South China Sea. Analysts warn that the Philippines could increasingly find itself caught in the middle of growing U.S.-China strategic competition.