China issued strong rebukes to South Korea and Japan on Tuesday for their lawmakers’ recent visits to Taiwan, condemning their attendance at what it termed the “so-called inauguration ceremony of the leader.” Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, whom China views as a separatist, was officially sworn in on Monday after his election victory in January.
China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, expressed its staunch opposition to the visits through its embassies in South Korea and Japan. Beijing has lodged formal protests with both nations. The spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in South Korea stated that the visit contradicts the strategic cooperative partnership between China and South Korea. Similarly, the Chinese embassy in Japan criticized the visit, saying it severely contravened the spirit of Sino-Japanese commitments.
China urged South Korea to take “practical actions” to protect the overall interests of bilateral relations, while it called on Japan to cease what it termed “provocative political manipulation” regarding Taiwan. Additionally, China cautioned Japan, which had joined the United States in congratulating Lai, to avoid further destabilizing the Taiwan Strait and damaging Sino-Japanese relations.
On Monday, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi described Taiwan as “an extremely important partner and friend” of Japan, emphasizing Tokyo’s intention to deepen non-governmental cooperation and exchanges. Relations between Japan and China have been strained by various issues, including maritime disputes in the East China Sea and China’s actions in the South China Sea.
A trilateral summit involving China, South Korea, and Japan is scheduled to take place next week in Seoul. Last week, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged his South Korean counterpart, during a visit to Beijing, to seek stable ties despite recent tensions over Taiwan and other regional matters. South Korea’s Cho Tae-yul responded that both nations should continue to work together, maintaining cooperation even amidst difficulties.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol stated last year that Taiwan is a “global issue” rather than merely a bilateral one between China and Taiwan. On the day of Lai’s inauguration, Wang Yi reiterated China’s stance, warning that any attempts to challenge the one-China principle would fail. “There is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is part of China,” Wang asserted.
