Japan’s Sharp Rebuke of China’s Taiwan Military Exercises Signals Rising Regional Pushback

Takeshi Iwaya, Japan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, has issued a strong condemnation of China’s military drills around Taiwan, labeling them as incompatible with peace. These remarks, delivered during a meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, at the ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers’ Meetings, indicate a growing regional opposition to China’s military assertiveness. Japan emphasized the importance of peace across the Taiwan Strait and restated its opposition to altering the status quo by force. Concerns were also raised regarding China’s behavior in the South China Sea. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs supported Japan’s stance, noting China’s use of fabricated pretexts for military intimidation.