Beijing’s Taiwan Affairs Office warns against foreign interference in the island as Taipei announces new defence spending.
China warns foreign interference in Taiwan will be ‘crushed’
China has delivered one of its strongest warnings yet, vowing to “crush” any foreign power that attempts to intervene on behalf of Taiwan, following Japan’s decision to place missile units closer to the self-governed island. The move has intensified an already volatile security atmosphere in the region.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Peng Qingen, spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, reaffirmed Beijing’s hardline stance, insisting that China possesses the “firm will, unwavering determination, and powerful capability to defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
He added that any external interference—whether military, political, or diplomatic—would be met with resolute countermeasures.
The warning comes as Taiwan accelerates its defense modernization efforts and as regional allies, including Japan and the United States, deepen security cooperation in response to China’s mounting pressure. Analysts say Beijing’s latest remarks reflect growing concerns over what it perceives as a widening international front supporting Taipei.
“We will crush all foreign interference,” Peng said, speaking in response to a question on the planned deployment of missiles on a nearby Japanese island.
“Japan’s deployment of offensive weapons in areas adjacent to China’s Taiwan region is extremely dangerous, deliberately creating regional tensions and provoking military confrontation,” Peng said.
The comments follow Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi’s announcement on Sunday that Tokyo was moving forward with plans to deploy a missile system on Yonaguni, the country’s westernmost island located 110km (68 miles) off Taiwan’s east coast, which has hosted a Japanese military base since 2016.
Koizumi said the deployment of the medium-range surface-to-air missile system on Yonaguni, Japan’s westernmost island located just over 100km from Taiwan, would significantly bolster the nation’s defence posture.
“We believe that establishing this unit will reduce the likelihood of any armed aggression against our country,” he stated, framing the move as a deterrent rather than an escalation.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs swiftly condemned the announcement, calling Japan’s decision a “deliberate attempt to stoke regional tensions and provoke military confrontation.”
Beijing warned that such actions risk undermining stability in an already sensitive region, accusing Tokyo of aligning itself with external forces to counter China’s rise.
Koizumi firmly rejected Beijing’s criticism, emphasising that the Type 03 guided missile system is a purely defensive shield designed to intercept any hostile aircraft or missiles that might threaten Japanese airspace.
“This system is not built to strike or intimidate other nations,” he said. “It is positioned across Japan to protect our people and territory, and its presence does not escalate regional tensions in any way.”
Reasserting Tokyo’s stance, Koizumi added that the deployment reflects Japan’s right to self-defence under international law, not an attempt to provoke confrontation.
