The Chinese Communist Party released a video appearing to send a threat to Japan of a nuclear response and “full-scale war” if the island nation meddles in China’s handling of Taiwan.
The video, which aired on a channel approved by the CCP, targets Japan as the only exception to China’s policy to not attack non-nuclear powers with nuclear weapons.
“We will use nuclear bombs first,” the video said. “We will use nuclear bombs continuously. We will do this until Japan declares unconditional surrender for the second time.”
The threats follow comments made two weeks ago by Japanese officials about Taiwan’s sovereignty, with Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso saying that Japan must “defend Taiwan,” The Japan Times reported.
“If a major incident happened (over Taiwan), it’s safe to say it would be related to a situation threatening the survival (of Japan). If that is the case, Japan and the U.S. must defend Taiwan together,” Aso said.
China Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Zhao Lijian suggested Japan rethink its “mentality” over the issue.
“We once again urge Japan to approach the relevant issues with the right mentality, and show its respect for China’s sovereignty and sincerity in upholding regional peace and stability,” Lijian said.
“I must stress that, Taiwan is part of China and the Taiwan question is purely China’s internal affair,” Lijian added. “China never allows interference in the Taiwan question in any form by any country.”
Lijian stressed that Taiwan is part of the Chinese plans for reunification.
The CCP insists that its intentions are to “liberate Taiwan,” and made it clear that Japan should not deploy “one soldier, one plane or one ship.”
