Chinese ambassador’s comment relating to Taiwan ‘extremely inappropriate’, Japan says
Sign up now: Get insights on Asia's fast-moving developments
Japan’s chief Cabinet secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi reiterated that Tokyo expects issues surrounding Taiwan to be resolved peacefully through dialogue.
PHOTO: REUTERS
TOKYO - Japan has lodged a protest against the Chinese ambassador’s “extremely inappropriate” comments relating to Taiwan, chief Cabinet secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said on May 22.
Mr Wu Jianghao, the Chinese ambassador in Tokyo, said on May 20 that Japanese people would be dragged into the fire if they took part in forces plotting to support Taiwan’s independence and “split China”, according to Japanese media reports.
“We consider it to be extremely inappropriate for an ambassador stationed in Tokyo to make such a comment, and we have immediately lodged a severe protest against it,” Mr Hayashi, the top government spokesperson, told reporters at a regular news conference.
Mr Hayashi also reiterated Japan’s position that Tokyo expects issues surrounding Taiwan to be resolved peacefully through dialogue.
Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry expressed its support for Japan’s reaction to the Chinese ambassador’s remarks.
“The Foreign Ministry welcomes the international community’s attention to the situation in the Taiwan Strait and any actions that will help maintain regional peace,” it said in a statement. REUTERS
