China Says ‘Capable of Self-Defence’ After Japan Considers Missile Deployment

Japan may deploy medium-range missiles near Taiwan, prompting China to assert that it is determined and capable of defending its territory.

On Monday (24 November), Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told the news agency TASS, “China has a firm resolve and capability to safeguard its national territorial sovereignty.”

This statement came from Beijing following comments by Japan’s Ministry of Defence regarding the possible missile deployment on Yonaguni Island. Mao said that under the 1945 Potsdam Declaration, Tokyo must follow a defensive strategy and has no right to enhance military capabilities. However, in recent years, Japan has revised its security policy, gradually increased its defence budget, relaxed arms export restrictions, and pursued the development of offensive weapons.

He added that some political forces in Tokyo are following a path of militarisation, which could endanger Japan and neighbouring regions. Mao also noted that this year marks the 80th anniversary of China’s victory in the anti-Japanese resistance and the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s liberation from Japanese occupation.

Mao stressed that China will not allow Japan’s far-right forces to reverse historical progress and will not tolerate foreign interference regarding Taiwan or the revival of Japanese militarism.

Tensions between Beijing and Tokyo over Taiwan have escalated. Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi previously stated that Japan has not abandoned plans to deploy medium-range missiles at the Self-Defense Forces garrison on Yonaguni Island. Japan’s new right-wing Prime Minister Suga Takaiichi remarked that a potential military crisis around Taiwan could pose an “existential threat” to Japan.

Since 1949, Taiwan has been self-governed, following the retreat of the Kuomintang forces from China after losing the civil war. Beijing considers Taiwan a province of China.

Khaborwala/SS