"Beijing is ramping up accusations that Japan is swerving back to the militarism that led to catastrophic conflict across the Asia-Pacific region in the early decades of the last century. Tensions between the two East Asian powers have been rising after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi responded to a question in parliament last month by saying that any "contingency" involving Taiwan would also inevitably threaten the national security of Japan."
"Beijing claims the island is part of China and insists it will be "reunited" with the mainland, by force if necessary. The pressure on Taiwan has increased in recent years and there are growing fears that China will attempt to seize the island. Analysts say that successive Japanese governments have long held the same position on the Taiwan situation, but not previously stated it. The more forthright Takaichi, however, has been more explicit and is incurring Beijing's wrath."
China condemned a visit by senior Japanese politicians to Taiwan and accused Japan of meddling in internal affairs. Beijing warned that Japan is reverting toward militarism associated with early 20th-century Asia-Pacific conflicts. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that any contingency involving Taiwan would threaten Japan's national security. Beijing maintains Taiwan is part of China and says it will be reunited with the mainland, by force if necessary. Pressure on Taiwan has increased, raising fears of a Chinese attempt to seize the island. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te thanked Japan for support and China demanded Takaichi retract her statement, citing violations of bilateral agreements.
Read at www.dw.com
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