Japan urges peaceful resolution in Taiwan Strait amid rising tensions

Metro Manila, Philippines - Japan reiterated its call for a peaceful resolution of tensions in the Taiwan Strait, warning against intensifying military activities by China in the region, a key flashpoint closely watched by both Tokyo and Manila.

In an interview with NewsWatch Plus, Japanese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Kitamura Toshihiro underscored Tokyo’s long-standing position that the Taiwan issue should not be settled through force.

“As for the Taiwan Strait, it is a very consistent position of Japan that that issue should be resolved peacefully through dialogue. But at the same time, we are concerned about the intensified activities of the Chinese forces in this region,” said Kitamura.

He said Japan has conveyed these concerns directly to Beijing through multiple diplomatic avenues, including high-level channels.

China has summoned Philippine Ambassador to Beijing Jaime FlorCruz over what it described as Manila’s “recent negative moves” related to Taiwan.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said Liu Jinsong, director-general of its Department of Asian Affairs, lodged a formal protest, expressing “strong opposition” to what it called violations of the one-China principle, Beijing’s core policy that sees Taiwan as an inalienable part of Chinese territory.

The Chinese embassy in Manila issued a warning to Filipino officials, stating: “Those who play with fire will perish by it,” while urging Manila to stop sending “wrong signals” to pro-independence forces in Taiwan.

Despite the tensions, the Department of Foreign Affairs said it remains in close communication with Beijing.

“The Philippines and China maintain open lines of communication through regular diplomatic channels,” the DFA said in a statement. “The two sides regularly exchange frank views over various issues, including on Taiwan, through these channels, and will continue to do so.”

Japan said it remains cautious but committed to regional stability.