Taipei: Taiwan’s Representative to Japan, Lee Yi-yang, has accused Beijing of employing its “wolf warrior diplomacy” approach in its recent actions toward Japan.
According to Focus Taiwan, Lee remarked during an interview that China’s recent economic, diplomatic, political, and military maneuvers against Japan reflect its long-standing aggressive strategy.
Lee highlighted China’s military activities in the Yellow Sea, which include multiple drills and radar-locking incidents involving Japanese Self-Defense Force aircraft. These actions, he suggested, are provocations akin to “pulling out a gun and preparing to pull the trigger.” The developments also underscore the United States’ support for Japan, with recent American bomber flights over the Sea of Japan aligning with the U.S. National Security Strategy, which encourages allies like Japan, South Korea, and Australia to boost defense spending for Indo-Pacific stability.
Lee also noted that the prospects for a short-term reduction in China-Japan tensions are grim, citing China’s demand for Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to retract her comments about a potential “Taiwan contingency” affecting Japan. In a recent parliamentary session, Takaichi stated that any Chinese force against Taiwan would pose a crisis for Japan, warranting a military response. Despite Beijing’s demands, Takaichi has refused to alter her stance, supported by public opinion polls showing her approval rating at around 70 percent, with significant backing for her remarks.
Lee emphasized Japan’s critical role in global semiconductor supply chains, with significant market shares in semiconductor materials and equipment, much of which is exported to China. He suggested that Japan’s position could serve as a countermeasure if tensions further escalate, though Beijing is unlikely to continue increasing pressure indefinitely.
Furthermore, Lee proposed that the ongoing tensions highlight the strategic importance of Taiwan-Japan cooperation, particularly in sectors like semiconductors and drone technology. He pointed out that Japanese companies have seen declining performance in China, with a decrease in the number of firms operating there since 2012. Conversely, Taiwan has adjusted its supply chains, dramatically reducing its investment in China and achieving robust economic growth.
“If Taiwan had not withdrawn quickly from the China market all those years ago, it would be impossible to have such strong economic growth today,” Lee concluded.