Taiwan Strait, East China Sea, and South China Sea - A New "Red Line" Over the Taiwan Strait: China Immediately Reacts to Japan-UK Statement

On Thursday, August 28, a joint statement from the Japan-UK defense ministers' meeting held in Tokyo was released, reaffirming the "importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait" and strongly opposing any unilateral changes to the status quo through force or coercion. The statement also expressed "serious concerns" about the situation in the East and South China Seas, implicitly criticizing China's dual-use (civilian and military) support to Russia.GOV.UK

The following day, on the 29th, the Chinese Embassy in the UK strongly criticized the statement as "distorting facts and inverting right and wrong." They issued a statement urging an immediate cessation of "erroneous remarks and actions regarding Taiwan and maritime issues" and to stop creating problems and tensions in the Asia-Pacific. Regarding China's stance on the Ukraine war, they countered by stating they have "consistently promoted a political resolution."InfoMoneyChinese Embassy

Why this statement carries weight

This joint statement is a "policy document" officially published on the UK government website. Even though it is an agreement between defense ministers rather than heads of state, the wording is crafted at the bureaucratic level and directly impacts future defense cooperation. The statement covers a wide range, including not only the Taiwan Strait but also freedom of navigation, economic security, and the Japan-UK-Italy next-generation fighter jet project (GCAP).GOV.UK

On the same day, the British aircraft carrier "Prince of Wales" made its first port call in Tokyo. The Japanese defense minister stated that UK-Japan relations have reached an "unprecedented level," symbolizing the collaboration between the two nations. Joint operations of carrier-based aircraft and the goal of signing the GCAP contract within the year were also emphasized, showcasing both words and actions.ReutersAP News

China's Reaction and Points of Contention

The Chinese Embassy in the UK labeled the UK-Japan references to (1) Taiwan, (2) the East China Sea, and (3) the South China Sea as "interference in internal affairs" and denied the criticism of "dual-use support" to Russia. The Chinese side reiterated the "One China" principle while arguing that involvement by external powers creates tension.Chinese Embassy

On the other hand, the UK and Japan reiterated their consistent stance that "peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are essential for global prosperity." The UK has repeatedly echoed this sentiment in past statements and speeches, and the current wording aligns with that continuity.GOV.UKReuters

Taiwan and Allied Reactions

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Taipei Representative Office in the UK welcomed the Japan-UK wording, visualizing their stance to deepen cooperation with "value-sharing partners." On X (formerly Twitter), there were numerous posts expressing gratitude for the reaffirmation of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, linking to the UK government's statement page.X (formerly Twitter)

Social Media Reactions (Key Points)

• Supporters: "The mere repetition of the same wording by Japan and the UK acts as a deterrent. Coupled with the aircraft carrier port call, it sends a message that it's 'not just talk.'" Posts sharing the policy document directly were widely disseminated (summary).GOV.UKReuters

• Cautious Voices: "China's backlash could actually heighten tensions. Escalation management is necessary," pointed out analysts in the security community, discussing the need for 'crisis management lines' in long threads (summary).Reuters

• Critics: Concerns were raised about the "danger" of linking European issues (Ukraine) with Asian issues, calling it "bloc formation." The Russia-related part of the joint statement sparked debate (summary).GOV.UK

• Taiwanese Officials: Official accounts issued messages of gratitude and continued cooperation (summary).X (formerly Twitter)

※The above is a summary of public posts and not direct quotes. Please check the respective sources for the positions and affiliations of the posters.

Geopolitical Implications

1. Reaffirmation of Norms: The agreement that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are central to the "global commons" reinforces the justification for linking Europe and the Indo-Pacific. It aligns with the UK's national security documents and recent high-level speeches.GOV.UK

2. Simultaneous Presentation of Capability and Will: The simultaneous presentation of words (joint statement) and actions (aircraft carrier port call and joint training) contributes to enhancing Japan-UK interoperability and clarifying external messages.ReutersAP News

3. China's External Messaging: The Chinese side countered with the "interference in internal affairs" frame, emphasizing their stance as peace mediators. It is likely that similar protests will continue whenever such joint documents are issued.Chinese Embassy

Attention to Business and Market

Freedom of navigation, maritime insurance premiums, and diversification of supply chains are directly linked to corporate profits. The UK is strengthening its involvement in the Indo-Pacific while connecting it with trade strategies. Incorporating geopolitical risks is particularly important in logistics, insurance, and semiconductor-related fields.GOV.UK

Key Points to Note (3 Lines)

• The joint statement by Japan and the UK defense ministers explicitly reaffirmed peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.GOV.UK

• China strongly opposed it as "distortion of facts," condemning it as interference in internal affairs.Chinese EmbassyInfoMoney

• With "action backing" like the aircraft carrier port call, discussions on social media spread across three layers: support, caution, and criticism.ReutersAP NewsX (formerly Twitter)

Powered by Froala Editor