Tensions between China and Japan have escalated since November 7 when Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated at a parliamentary meeting that Japan may become militarily involved in the event of a Chinese attack on Taiwan. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hsiao Kuang-wei (蕭光偉) told reporters Tuesday that Taiwan, alongside like-minded countries, are closely monitoring China’s recent actions in the Indo-Pacific region.

During the past week, Beijing has implemented a series of countermeasures and has repeatedly cited the “Taiwan contingency” as referenced in the four China-Japan political documents. In addition to sending coast guard ships through the waters surrounding the disputed Senkaku Islands, China also announced a live-fire exercise in the Yellow Sea this Monday and advised its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan.

Hsiao stressed that Taiwan will continue working with the international community to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and throughout the Indo-Pacific. “We are closely monitoring China’s recent provocative actions and attempts to challenge the international order. Peace, prosperity, and freedom in the Indo-Pacific region is our top priority,” Liu said.

Asked about the communication between Taiwan and Japan regarding the issue, Hsiao said the ministry maintains close contact with the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association on issues across various sectors. 

Hsiao added that China has in recent years frequently conducted large-scale military and gray-zone harassment activities in the East China Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait. These behaviors pose complex threats to regional actors, undermine peace, and have continuously escalated regional tensions, he said. He called on China to fulfill its responsibilities as a major power and to stop actions that jeopardize regional stability and security.