Japan voices concern over China’s military drills near Taiwan, calling for peaceful dialogue to resolve cross-strait issues and maintain regional stability.
TOKYO: Japan has expressed concern over China’s recent military exercises around Taiwan, stating they “increase tensions” across the Taiwan Strait.
Foreign ministry press secretary Toshihiro Kitamura said Japan had conveyed its concerns to Beijing.
“It has been the consistent position of the Government of Japan that it expects that the issue surrounding Taiwan will be resolved peacefully through dialogue,” Kitamura said in a statement.
He added that peace and stability across the strait are important for the entire international community.
Japan will continue to monitor developments with strong interest.
China’s drills this week involved dozens of fighter aircraft and navy vessels conducting live-fire exercises.
The drills simulated a blockade of Taiwan’s key ports and assaults on maritime targets.
China claims Taiwan as part of its sovereign territory and has not ruled out using force to seize the island.
Japan’s relations with China have deteriorated recently after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested in November that Tokyo could intervene militarily in any Chinese attack on Taiwan.
