Chinese Ambassador to the United Nations (UN) Fu Cong sent a letter to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on 21/11. The letter accuses Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of "seriously violating international law" and diplomatic norms. This accusation stems from her statement that if Taiwan were attacked, Tokyo might respond militarily.

"If Japan dares to intervene militarily in the Taiwan Strait, that will be an act of aggression," Fu Cong wrote. "China will resolutely exercise its right to self-defense under the UN Charter and international law, protecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity."

The Chinese ambassador also demanded Japan "stop provoking, crossing the red line," and retract statements he considered "openly challenging China's core interests." China's mission to the UN requested the letter be circulated as an "official document of the General Assembly" to all UN member states.

Chinese Ambassador to the United Nations Fu Cong in New York on 3/2. *Photo: AFP*

The Japanese Prime Minister stated on 7/11 that in a scenario of an attack on Taiwan, Tokyo could deploy its self-defense forces. This would occur if the conflict posed an existential threat to Japan. Taiwan is 100 km from Japan's nearest island.

China reacted strongly to the statement, summoning Japan's ambassador to express its protest. Beijing also advised its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan, suggesting students reconsider studying there due to safety risks.

Masaaki Kanai, head of the Asia and Oceania Affairs Bureau at Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, met with his Chinese counterpart Liu Jinsong in Beijing on 18/11 to de-escalate tensions, but the situation has not cooled down.

Japan has not yet responded to China's action. According to Reuters, this marks the strongest criticism to date from a high-ranking Chinese official targeting Prime Minister Takaichi.

China consistently views Taiwan as an inseparable part of its territory and is prepared to use all means to achieve unification. Chinese leaders have also repeatedly affirmed they do not rule out the use of force to reclaim the island, although the general principle remains dialogue and peaceful unification.

Ngoc Anh (According to Reuters)