China lodged a diplomatic protest with Japan over the visit of a top Taiwanese official to mourn the death of its former leader, but refrained from launching the kind of scathing criticism that usually follows such contacts.
(Also read: Shinzo Abe: this was his funeral in Japan after the assassination)
“Following the sudden and unfortunate passing of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the Taiwanese authorities seized the opportunity for political manipulation,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a regular news conference in Beijing on Tuesday. , referring to Vice President William Lai’s trip
Taiwan’s “political machination can never succeed,” Wang said, adding that China made “severe representations” to Japanese diplomats and “made our position clear.”
(You may be interested in: Japan: what is the link between a religious sect and Abe’s murder?)
Beijing often lashes out at nations for their interactions with Taiwan, saying they amount to interference in its internal affairs. and demanding that they adhere to their one-China principle
unofficial relationships
After Abe and Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen had a call in March, Wang attacked Japan for its history as a colonial power, saying it was responsible for “serious historical crimes and debt to the Chinese people.”
Abe’s funeral is held in Japan as his successor revives his schedule.
China earlier took steps to curb nationalist voices angry at Abe for supporting Taiwan. Hu Xijin, former editor of the Communist Party’s Global Times newspaper, told people cheering Abe’s assassination on social media that “it is time to put aside political bickering.”
Lai is the highest-ranking Taiwanese official to travel to Japan in decades, although the Foreign Ministry in Taipei said he was on a “personal trip.”
He visited Abe’s family residence in Tokyo, accompanied by Frank Hsieh, Taiwan’s representative in Japan.
INTERNATIONAL WRITING
*With data from Bloomberg*
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