China has imposed sanctions on a former top Japanese defense official over his current advisory role to officials in Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory.
Why It Matters
The move marks a further escalation in tensions that began in early November, following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s statement that a Chinese military blockade of Taiwan could warrant joint military intervention alongside the United States.
China has retaliated with travel warnings and suspensions of Japan-bound flights while accusing the Takaichi administration of military provocation.
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, though Beijing’s Chinese Communist Party government has never ruled there. It has vowed to eventually bring it under its control—by force if necessary.
Newsweek reached out to the Chinese Foreign Ministry with a request for comment.
What To Know
China’s Foreign Ministry on Monday announced Shigeru Iwasaki, a former head of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces Joint Staff from 2012 to 2014, would be sanctioned according to the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law.
Iwasaki was appointed by Taiwan’s Cabinet as a political consultant for a one-year term in March.
“The Taiwan question is at the core of China’s core interests and is the red line that must not be crossed,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jaikun said at a regular press briefing Monday.
“Rather than reflect on and correct his wrongdoings, Iwasaki went down the wrong path by colluding with ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces and making provocations,” he continued. Guo said the former official had committed a “severe” violation of existing China-Japan agreements.
What People Are Saying
Minoru Kihara, Japan’s chief Cabinet secretary, told reporters on Monday it was disappointing that China is putting pressure on someone for taking a position different from Beijing’s. He stressed Japan continues to communicate its views to the Chinese side.
Lee Yi-yang, Taiwan’s de facto ambassador to Japan, suggested Beijing will limit its ongoing pressure campaign against Tokyo.
Japan plays a critical role in the global chip supply chain, accounting for 50 percent of the market share in semiconductor materials and 30 percent of related equipment, much of which is shipped to China, he said in an interview with Taiwan’s Central News Agency.
“If Japan were to use this as a countermeasure, China would also suffer a major impact,” he said.
What Happens Next
Like other sanctions previously imposed on foreign politicians who crossed Beijing’s red lines, the measures against Iwasaki are largely symbolic.
They include an entry ban and a freeze on any assets he may hold in China. Individuals and entities in China are also barred from engaging in business or other activities with him.
