China complains to Japan over defense white paper, citing Taiwan comments

China has formally complained to Japan regarding Tokyo's newly released defense white paper, accusing it of hyping a Chinese threat and making "unwarranted comments" about Taiwan. The annual Japanese report, published Tuesday, highlights China's intensified military activities around Taiwan and states that the "overall military balance between China and Taiwan is rapidly tilting in China's favour." Beijing asserts that Japan has no right to comment on the Taiwan issue, deeming it a purely internal Chinese affair. The Chinese foreign ministry stated that its military activities are legitimate and reasonable, and that the resolution of the Taiwan issue is solely a matter for the Chinese people. This diplomatic exchange occurs amidst heightened tensions, following a November statement by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggesting Japan could deploy its Self-Defense Forces if a Chinese attack on Taiwan threatened Japan's survival. Beijing had demanded a retraction of that remark. Japan's government, meanwhile, is framing its military buildup as a path to economic growth, arguing in the white paper that arms production can support prosperity. China, however, accuses Japan of accelerating its remilitarization and urges it to cease seeking excuses for military expansion.

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How to resolve the Taiwan issue is a matter for the Chinese people themselves and brooks no interference from the Japanese side.