Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi issued a stark warning to Japan during the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, condemning recent statements by Japanese leaders about potential military involvement in the Taiwan Strait as a dangerous revival of pre-war militarism.
Speaking at the 'China in the World' session, Wang emphasized that Asia remains 'the only region maintaining overall peace' despite global tensions. However, he singled out Japan's current administration for what he called 'reckless statements' threatening regional stability.
'Japan's prime minister recently claimed a Taiwan Strait contingency would constitute an existential crisis justifying military response,' Wang stated. 'This directly challenges China's sovereignty and the post-war order confirming Taiwan's return to China.'
The veteran diplomat drew historical parallels with Germany's post-war denazification, contrasting it with Japan's continued veneration of Class-A war criminals at Yasukuni Shrine. 'Such behavior would be unthinkable in Europe,' Wang noted, calling it evidence of unresolved historical issues.
Wang's remarks come amid heightened tensions following Japan's reinterpretation of its collective self-defense rights. He warned that invoking the same 'existential crisis' rationale used to justify Pearl Harbor could lead to catastrophic consequences: 'If Japan gambles again on militarism, it will face swifter defeat.'
The foreign minister urged international vigilance against far-right influences in Japanese politics while reaffirming China's commitment to peaceful development. 'Asia's stability remains our priority,' Wang concluded, 'but we will never compromise on core interests like Taiwan.'
