Question: According to Kyodo News, on May 5th, during his visit to the UK, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida claimed that “Ukraine may be tomorrow’s East Asia”, and the UK and Japanese leaders expressed “strong concern” about unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East and South China seas and “rapid but not transparent” military build-up and activities. What is your comment?

Embassy spokesperson: In recent days, the Japanese side has repeatedly hyped up issues related to Taiwan and the East and South China seas on international occasions, alluding to and attacking China. We firmly oppose to and strong condemn such provocation.

Cooperation between countries should be conducive to regional peace, stability and prosperity and should not target or harm the interests of a third party. But the Japanese side, by smuggling its unspeakable agenda into diplomatic programmes, targeting China and playing up tensions in the region out of nothing, is just seeking an excuse for its military buildup and undermining the mutual trust and cooperation between countries in the region. Such action is not in the interest of the peace and stability in the region and does not have public support.

The Taiwan question is purely China’s internal affair and brooks no external interference. The one-China principle is a broad international consensus and a norm governing international relations. It is also the political foundation and important premise for the establishment and development of diplomatic relations between China and Japan as well as the UK. Japan is historically responsible for the Taiwan question and is in no position to make irresponsible remarks towards China. We urge the Japanese side to stop interfering in China’s internal affairs under the pretext of the Taiwan question and stop all words and moves that contravene the one-China principle.

On the issues related to the East and South China seas, China remains firm in safeguarding its sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. At the same time, we stand ready to handle differences with the countries concerned in an appropriate manner through negotiation and consultation, with a view to safeguarding the peace and tranquility in the region. If Japan sincerely wished for peace and stability in East Asia, it should immediately stop its attempt to instigate confrontation between major countries and do more things that will enhance mutual trust between countries and uphold peace and stability in the region.