China warns Uzbekistan on Taiwan issue

During his visits to Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reportedly briefed his counterparts on the need to deliver a “firm response” to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on Taiwan. The Chinese diplomat shared this information following his Central Asia tour.

“I informed the foreign ministers of the three countries about China’s principled stance on Taiwan and exposed the recent statements and actions of Japan’s current leadership, which openly challenge our country’s core interests and the post-World War II international order,” Wang Yi said, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry website.

He also stated that Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan expressed support for the “One China” principle and Beijing’s efforts to ultimately reunify Taiwan with mainland China. Wang Yi described the explicit backing of the three countries’ foreign ministers as “very timely.” He added that Chinese officials oppose interference in the internal affairs of these countries and will not allow any individual or group to provoke conflict or instability there.

“However, it is surprising that Japan’s current leadership has sent incorrect signals regarding potential military involvement in Taiwan, making statements that should not have been made and crossing lines that should not have been crossed. China must deliver a firm response. This is necessary not only to safeguard China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity but also to preserve the post-World War II achievements secured at the cost of blood and lives, uphold international justice, and protect human conscience,” Wang Yi said.

Tensions between Japan and China escalated after Takaichi, on November 7, warned during a parliamentary debate that a possible military crisis near Taiwan could pose a “credible threat” and compel Japan to exercise its “collective self-defense” rights. The remarks drew strong criticism from Beijing and a stern warning to Tokyo. The Chinese Consul General in Osaka, Xue Jian, reportedly threatened on social media to “behead” the Japanese prime minister, though the post was later deleted. Shortly afterward, the Chinese Foreign Ministry advised its citizens against traveling to Japan.

Taiwan has been governed separately since 1949, when remnants of the Kuomintang party, led by Chiang Kai-shek (1887–1975), retreated to the island after being defeated in the Chinese Civil War. Since then, Taipei has maintained certain symbols of the former Republic of China that existed on the mainland before the Communist takeover. Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory, a position recognized by many countries.

For context, Wang Yi visited Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan from November 19 to 22 this year, holding strategic talks with the foreign ministers of the three countries. He also met with the presidents of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan—Sadyr Japarov, Emomali Rahmon, and Shavkat Mirziyoyev, respectively.