Japan says ‘communication channels open’ after China issues travel warning over Taiwan tensions – Firstpost

A day after China issued a travel warning against its citizens visiting Japan amid rising tensions over Prime Minister Sanae Takachi’s comments on Taiwan, Japan insisted on Monday that “channels of communication remain open.”

Tensions rose after Takaichi told parliament on November 7 that a hypothetical Chinese attack on democratically ruled Taiwan could lead to a military response from Tokyo.

China claims Taiwan as its territory and has repeatedly insisted it can use force to establish control. However, Taiwan rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims.

In response to Takaichi’s comments, Beijing summoned the Japanese ambassador for the first time in more than two years. China’s defense ministry warned that any Japanese intervention would be “doomed to failure”, Reuters reported. Additionally, Chinese coast guard ships passed through the waters surrounding the Senkaku Islands, known as Diaoyu in China.

On Friday, China issued a travel warning urging its citizens not to travel to Japan.

Masaaki Kanai, the Japanese Foreign Ministry official responsible for Asia and Oceania affairs, traveled to Beijing to meet with his Chinese counterpart Liu Jinsong, according to Reuters.

“Various channels of communication are open,” Japan’s chief cabinet secretary said at a regular press briefing. “We have strongly requested the Chinese side to take appropriate steps,” he said. He said travel warnings undermine efforts to promote strategic, mutually beneficial ties.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said Premier Li Qiang had no plans to meet Takachi on the sidelines of this weekend’s G20 summit in South Africa. Ministry spokesman Mao Ning stressed that Japan should withdraw its “incorrect” remarks.

Amid the China–Japan dispute, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te accused China of launching a “multi-pronged attack” on Japan.

“I call on the international community to pay close attention to this, and I also urge China to exercise restraint and demonstrate conduct befitting a major power rather than becoming a troublemaker for regional peace and stability,” Lai said.