Chinese coast guard vessels conducted a “rights enforcement patrol” on Sunday, navigating through the and intensifying tensions with Japan.
This action signifies the most recent evidence of Beijing’s displeasure with Japan, the managing authority of the islands, after newly elected Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi offered an outspoken defense of earlier this month. She declared that any aggression by Beijing against Taiwan would justify a military reaction from Japan.
“A formation of China Coast Guard vessel 1307 carried out patrols within the Diaoyu Islands’ territorial waters. This represented a legitimate patrol operation executed by the China Coast Guard to safeguard its rights and interests,” stated China’s coast guard in a press release.
Since Takaichi’s November 7 remarks regarding Taiwan, Chinese authorities have summoned Japan’s ambassador and advised Chinese nationals against visiting Japan. Additionally, China’s defense ministry asserted that any Japanese intervention aimed at defending Taiwan would prove ineffectual.
The most severe reaction stemmed from , who seemed to threaten Takaichi with decapitation in a social media post that has since been deleted.
The diplomat, Xue Jian, penned, “That foul neck that intruded uninvited – I am compelled to sever it instantly. Are you ready for such a consequence?”
Japan’s government denounced the comment, with Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara labeling it “extremely inappropriate” and confirming Tokyo’s formal protest to Beijing. Kihara noted that Xue had previously made “multiple” incendiary comments and called on China to implement disciplinary measures.
Conversely, China seemingly defended the diplomat. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian informed reporters on Monday that Xue’s remarks were a retort to Takaichi’s “wrongful and dangerous” statements, which he claimed distorted China’s stance on Taiwan. Lin criticized Japan for “refusing to confront its historical responsibilities” and cautioned Tokyo against meddling in “internal Chinese affairs.”
Taiwan’s defense ministry also reported detecting increased aggression from China in recent days. The self-governed island stated it observed 30 Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels operating nearby, according to
Contributions to this report were provided by ‘ Morgan Phillips.