TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) urged international vigilance against China's attacks on Japan during Monday's (Nov. 17) National Archives (國家檔案館) opening ceremony. Lai warned China severely threatens Indo-Pacific peace following Japan's Taiwan comments that could trigger Japanese self-defense measures.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's (高市早苗) comments about Taiwan invoking Japan's collective self-defense rights sparked backlash from China. Lai called for Chinese restraint and urged the nation to act as a responsible major power. He emphasized China's negative impact on regional peace and warned China to reconsider its stance.
China's Taiwan Affairs Office (國台辦) previously accused Lai of being a cross-strait peace disruptor and crisis instigator. Former President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) criticized Takaichi's actions as rash, while the U.S. ambassador to Japan praised her remarks. Lai cautioned domestic opposition politicians to respect Japan's internal politics and avoid negative interpretations of Japanese political moves. ◼
