CHINA TO JAPAN: ELECTIONS WON’T CHANGE OUR POSITION

China has said its foreign policy towards Japan will remain unchanged despite the outcome of Japan’s latest general election, following growing diplomatic tension between the two Asian powers.

Speaking in Beijing on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said China’s stance towards Japan is not influenced by electoral outcomes, stressing that bilateral relations are guided by long-standing principles rather than political shifts in Tokyo.

The comments came a day after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi secured a decisive electoral victory, strengthening her coalition’s grip on power and clearing the path for planned tax cuts and increased military spending.

However, relations between Beijing and Tokyo have been strained since November, when Takaichi warned that a potential Chinese military action against Taiwan could pose a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan. She also suggested that such a scenario could compel Japan to respond militarily alongside its allies.

China reacted sharply to the remarks, describing them as dangerous and unacceptable. On Monday, Lin reiterated Beijing’s position, urging the Japanese leader to withdraw her comments on Taiwan and refrain from actions that could escalate tensions in the region.

“Taiwan is an internal affair of China,” Lin said, repeating Beijing’s long-held claim over the democratically governed island. He warned Japan against interfering in the issue, adding that such statements undermine regional stability and mutual trust.

Taiwan’s government, however, has consistently rejected China’s sovereignty claims, insisting the island’s future should be determined by its people.

The dispute comes amid heightened security concerns in East Asia, as Japan moves to bolster its defence capabilities in response to China’s growing military presence and North Korea’s missile activities. Tokyo has increasingly aligned itself with the United States and other regional partners, a shift Beijing views with suspicion.

Analysts said that while China is unlikely to drastically alter its policy towards Japan in the near term, rhetoric surrounding Taiwan and regional security could further test diplomatic ties between the two countries.