"China firmly opposes and has lodged solemn representations with the Japanese side," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated on 22/12, urging Japan to "reflect deeply on its mistakes."

Hagiuda Koichi, acting executive deputy secretary-general of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), is on a three-day visit to Taiwan. Koichi held talks with Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te on 22/12.

Local media reported that about 30 Japanese lawmakers are expected to visit Taiwan from late this year to early next year.

Spokesperson Lin Jian at a press conference in Beijing on 4/12. Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry

Spokesperson Lin Jian at a press conference in Beijing on 4/12. Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry

Three LDP lawmakers, including former justice minister Suzuki Keisuke, Nagashima Akihisa, a special advisor to former prime minister Ishiba Shigeru, and former vice justice minister Kanda Junichi, also visited Taiwan from 22-25/12. A five-member delegation led by LDP lawmaker Takinami Hirofumi is also visiting the island during the same period.

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, the visits by Japanese lawmakers to Taiwan constitute a "serious violation" of the political foundation underpinning bilateral relations. "This goes against the one China principle," Lin emphasized.

Japanese officials have not yet commented.

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

These visits by Japanese lawmakers occur amidst high tensions between Beijing and Tokyo, following Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae's remarks last month suggesting that an emergency situation in Taiwan could constitute an existential threat to Japan, necessitating military deployment.

China considers Takaichi's comments an act of interference in its internal affairs and has repeatedly demanded that Japanese leaders retract these statements, but she has refused.

In response, China has issued a series of criticisms against Japan, along with advisories regarding study and travel, and canceled numerous exchange programs. The country also suspended all seafood imports from Japan.

By Vu Hoang, based on reports from SCMP, AFP, and Reuters.