Japan’s PM says she is open to talks with China amid Taiwan tension

(MENAFN) Japan’s prime minister said on Wednesday that her government remains “open” to dialogue with China, despite growing tensions over Taiwan, emphasizing that communication remains an option even as bilateral frictions intensify, according to reports.

Calling China an “important neighbor,” she stated that her “stance of building constructive and stable relations remains unchanged” since taking office, speaking at a news conference following an extraordinary parliamentary session. She added: "Japan always keeps the door open for dialogue as the two nations have issues to resolve."

On the issue of Japan’s security posture, she said: "My remarks regarding the survival-threatening situation do not alter the stance held by the past governments," noting that Tokyo will continue to explain its position to both China and the international community through diplomatic channels.

Tensions between the two countries escalated after Nov. 7, when the prime minister commented that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could legally be considered a “survival-threatening situation,” potentially allowing Japan to exercise the right of collective self-defense.

Beijing responded sharply, urging Chinese tourists to avoid Japan and suspending seafood imports.

Separately, Japan’s defense minister held a phone call with the UK Defense Secretary, during which he “explained China’s radar illumination to SDF aircraft on Dec 6” and both sides “shared their resolve to address challenges in Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific and to drive the new golden age of defense cooperation,” according to a statement posted on a US social media platform.

Japan reported that on Dec. 7, Chinese J-15 fighter jets launched from the aircraft carrier Liaoning targeted radar on two Japanese F-15 jets over international waters southeast of Okinawa. China responded that the maneuvers were “professional, secure, restrained and beyond dispute” and described radar activation during carrier training as routine.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun criticized Japan on Wednesday, saying it should reflect on its actions rather than seek international backing for its stance. He stated: "The Japanese side should do is to listen to these calls and do soul-searching rather than make futile attempts to persuade other countries into believing their groundless explanations."

Guo added that Japan should “stop spreading false narratives, face up to the history, reflect on and correct the wrongdoings, retract the erroneous remarks, honor the commitments, and act responsibly to offer China and the international community a satisfactory answer.”

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