China sends letter to UN over Japan PM's Taiwan remark, vows 'self-defence'

China has sent a letter to the United Nations (UN) accusing Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of violating international law by challenging China's national interests.

Takaichi was accused of starting a "row" with Beijing in parliament on Nov. 7, where she remarked that an attack on Taiwan by the Chinese could amount to a "survival-threatening situation" and trigger a military response from Tokyo.

Chinese state media CGTN called Takaichi's remarks "erroneous" and "blatant provocations".

Takaichi's repeated refusal to retract her statement has also appeared to aggravate the Chinese government, with China escalating their economic actions against Japan.

On her part, Takaichi considers her remarks to be in line with longstanding policy, although previous sitting Japanese prime ministers have not vocalised such a position.

To date, China has banned Japanese seafood imports and advised citizens against travelling to Japan.

Further actions are said to follow should Takaichi not change her stance.

Vows to self-defend

The letter, sent by China's Permanent Representative to the UN Fu Cong on Nov. 21, also warned that China will exercise its right to self-defend if Japan attempted to intervene militarily in Taiwan.

It is the first time since Japan's defeat at the end of World War Two in 1945 that a Japanese leader has promoted the idea of "a Taiwan contingency is a Japan contingency", Fu told the UN.

Reiterating that Taiwan is an undisputed part of China, he added that issues regarding them is China's internal affair.

Takaichi's comments imply a military threat against China, he warned, urging the Japanese government again to retract their words.

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Top image via AFP