China reiterates demand that Japanese PM retract Taiwan remarks

BEIJING: China on Tuesday reiterated its demand that Japan retract Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks about Taiwan, more than a month after Takaichi said an attack on the democratically governed island could be deemed an existential threat to Japan.

AI Brief

China accuses Japan of evasive tactics and strongly opposes its stance on Taiwan security.
Tensions spike after Takaichi hints Japan might act militarily if China attacks Taiwan.
Diplomatic relations between Tokyo and Beijing hit their lowest point in years.

"On key issues, Japan is still 'squeezing toothpaste' and 'burying nails,' attempting to obfuscate and muddle through," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said during a regular press briefing, adding that Beijing is "firmly opposed to this."

Diplomatic relations between Tokyo and Beijing have been at their lowest in years after Takaichi suggested a hypothetical Chinese attack on Taiwan could trigger a military response from Tokyo.