Japanese PM's erroneous remarks on Taiwan continue to spark domestic outcry, stern Chinese warnings

Chinese authorities have voiced strong opposition and made clear warnings over Takaichi's erroneous remarks.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong on Thursday summoned the Japanese Ambassador to China Kenji Kanasugi, making serious démarches over the issue and calling Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan "extremely wrong and dangerous."

Sun urged Japan to deeply reflect on its historical crimes and responsibilities, immediately reflect and correct its mistakes, withdraw its bad remarks, and not go further down the wrong path.

A spokesperson for China's State Council Taiwan Affairs Office on Friday reiterated that how to resolve the Taiwan question is entirely a matter at the Chinese people's own discretion and brooks no interference by any external force, noting that Japan had committed crimes against the Chinese people regarding the Taiwan question.

Taiwan was occupied by Japan after Tokyo waged war against China in 1894. The occupation lasted for half a century. On Oct 25, 1945, a ceremony to accept Japan's surrender in the Taiwan province of the China war theater of the Allied powers was held in Taipei.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of the restoration of Taiwan.

Also on Friday, Jiang Bin, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, warned the Japanese side of a "crushing defeat" should it dare to take a risk on the Taiwan question.

"Should the Japanese side fail to draw lessons from history and dare to take a risk, or even use force to interfere in the Taiwan question, it will only suffer a crushing defeat against the steel-willed People's Liberation Army and pay a heavy price," Jiang said.