China's Permanent Representative to the UN Fu Cong issued a formal protest to Secretary-General António Guterres on Friday, condemning Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent statements linking Japan's security to Taiwan. The letter marks Beijing's strongest diplomatic response yet to what it calls "blatant provocations" challenging China's sovereignty.
Fu highlighted three unprecedented aspects of Takaichi's November parliamentary speech: the first explicit connection of collective self-defense to Taiwan since 1945, the first implied threat of armed intervention in cross-strait affairs, and the first direct challenge to China's core interests through military posturing. The envoy warned such rhetoric "undermines the post-war international order" and evokes painful memories of Japanese militarism across Asia.
Reiterating Beijing's stance, Fu emphasized Taiwan has been an inseparable part of China since ancient times. "Any foreign military intervention would constitute aggression," the letter states, affirming China's right under the UN Charter to defend territorial integrity. Historical context featured prominently, with references to Japan's wartime aggression and unresolved historical responsibilities.
The diplomatic note, which will circulate to all UN member states, urges Tokyo to retract its statements and honor previous commitments regarding Taiwan. Analysts suggest the public rebuke reflects growing concerns about regional security dynamics as major powers navigate sensitive geopolitical fault lines.
