Japan says China’s military exercises near Taiwan are heightening tensions, calls for a peaceful resolution

TOKYO, Dec 31 — Japan has warned that China’s latest military exercises around Taiwan are raising tensions across the Taiwan Strait and confirmed it has conveyed its concerns to Beijing.

“The recent exercises conducted by the Chinese military around Taiwan are actions that heighten tensions in the Taiwan Strait, and the Government of Japan has communicated its concerns to the Chinese side,” foreign ministry press secretary Toshihiro Kitamura said.

Kitamura reiterated Japan’s longstanding position that issues involving Taiwan should be resolved peacefully through dialogue.

He added that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are crucial for the international community, and that Japan will continue to closely monitor developments.

China’s drills this week involved dozens of fighter jets and naval vessels conducting live-fire exercises, including simulated blockades of Taiwan’s major ports and attacks on maritime targets.

China maintains that Taiwan is part of its territory and has not ruled out using military force to take control of the island.

Ties between Japan and China have deteriorated in recent weeks after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested in November that Tokyo could intervene militarily if China were to attack Taiwan. — AFP