Japan Rejects China's Protest Over PM Takaichi's Meeting with Taiwan Official at APEC

Tokyo Dismisses Beijing's Formal Complaint

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi on Tuesday, November 4, dismissed a formal protest from China concerning a recent meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and former Taiwanese Vice Premier Lin Hsin-i. The diplomatic exchange occurred following the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit held in Gyeongju, South Korea, where the two leaders met.

Prime Minister Takaichi's APEC Engagement and China's Strong Reaction

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met with Lin Hsin-i, who served as Taiwan's representative and senior adviser to the Presidential Office at the APEC summit, on Friday and Saturday prior to Motegi's statement. Takaichi reportedly posted about the meeting on social media, expressing a desire to deepen cooperation and exchanges between Japan and Taiwan. In response, China's Foreign Ministry lodged a strong protest with Tokyo, accusing Takaichi's actions of violating the 'one-China principle' and sending a 'gravely wrong signal' to 'Taiwan independence' forces. Beijing described these actions as 'egregious in nature and impact,' emphasizing that the Taiwan question is an internal Chinese affair and a 'red line' that must not be crossed.

Japan Reaffirms Long-Standing Policy on Taiwan

Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi countered China's protest by stating that meetings between Japanese prime ministers and Taiwanese officials at APEC events are not unprecedented. He clarified that such interactions do not contradict the Japanese government's established position of maintaining non-governmental and practical relations with Taiwan. Motegi further added that Japan had already conveyed this understanding to the Chinese side. This stance aligns with Japan's policy of fostering unofficial ties with Taiwan while adhering to the 1972 Japan-China Joint Communiqué.

Diplomatic Context at the APEC Summit

The meeting between Prime Minister Takaichi and Lin Hsin-i took place on the sidelines of the APEC summit, an international forum where Taiwan participates as 'Chinese Taipei.' This event occurred shortly after Takaichi also met with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the same summit, where both leaders reportedly agreed to pursue constructive and stable bilateral ties. The diplomatic interactions underscore the delicate balance Japan seeks to maintain in its relations with both China and Taiwan amidst regional sensitivities.