A spat over Taiwan is threatening China-Japan ties

Source: AP

By KEN MORITSUGU and MARI YAMAGUCHI
Updated 6:07 AM CST, November 17, 2025

BEIJING (AP) — Less than a month into her term, Japan’s conservative leader has stirred tensions with China by suggesting a Chinese move against Taiwan could prompt a Japanese military response.

China objects to the involvement of other countries in Taiwan, notably the United States, which is the main supplier of weapons to the self-governing island. Beijing claims it as its own and says it must come under its control. It says it’s a domestic issue and “a red line” that others should not cross.

Takaichi went beyond past Japanese statements

Speaking to a parliamentary committee, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said on Nov. 7. that a Chinese naval blockade or other action against Taiwan could be grounds for a Japanese military response.



Read more: https://apnews.com/article/china-japan-takaichi-taiwan-ed8b812ab6f3bcc9ada2f49d9df1a479