Wang Yi issues a stark threat: China warns the United States that defending Taiwan could trigger a confrontation and cautions Japan against a ‘devastating defeat’

 

El ministro de Exteriores de China, Wang Yi (REUTERS/Liesa Johannssen)

Beijing Warns US and Japan in Munich: “Crossing the Red Line” on Taiwan Could Lead to Confrontation

**MUNICH, Germany (IPU NEWS)** — Chinese Foreign Minister **Wang Yi** issued strong warnings Saturday during his address at the **Munich Security Conference**, stating that if the United States “crosses the red line” regarding Taiwan, it could trigger a **direct confrontation** between the two powers. He also warned Japan about the dangers of adopting a “militaristic” policy. ([infobae][1])

Wang emphasized that the “one China” policy is a **non-negotiable principle** for Beijing and that any attempt to use Taiwan to divide Chinese territory would be seen as a **serious provocation**, capable of escalating tensions between the United States and China. “We hope Washington will choose a positive and pragmatic approach… but we are also prepared to respond to various risks,” he stated. ([infobae][1])

The Chinese foreign minister reiterated that it was the foreign policies of foreign powers that could “cross red lines” and that, if this occurred, the consequences would be serious, suggesting that a confrontation between the world’s two largest economies was “highly likely.” ([Malay Mail][2])

Taiwán busca reforzar su alianza con EEUU para hacer frente a la amenaza china (Oficina Presidencial de Taiwán vía AP)

Direct warning to Japan

In addition to his warning to Washington, Wang launched harsh criticism against Japanese Prime Minister **Sanae Takaichi** for alleged signs of “militaristic” ambitions related to Taiwan, highlighting historical aspects to reinforce his point. The minister noted that the resurgence of militaristic positions—alluding to tributes to figures linked to Japan’s military past and recent political statements—could lead to a “devastating clash,” recalling the human cost of the Sino-Japanese War in the 1930s. ([Europa Press][3])

Wang’s criticism of Japan also included comparisons with Germany, noting that Tokyo has not engaged in a “full reflection” on its military past and that certain recent statements by Japanese leaders cross what Beijing considers acceptable limits in regional politics. ([Ambito][4])

La primera ministra de Japón, Sanae Takaichi, líder del gobernante Partido Liberal Democrático (PLD) (FRANCK ROBICHON/Pool vía REUTERS)

A scenario of persistent tensions

Beijing’s warnings reflect the complexity of current relations between China, the United States, and Japan, especially regarding the status of Taiwan, a self-governing territory supported by Washington through arms sales, which Beijing views as unacceptable interference in its internal affairs. ([La República][5])

Although Wang spoke of the possibility of avoiding miscalculations and advocated for approaches that prioritize cooperation, his message was unequivocal: **crossing strategic red lines—such as moving toward Taiwan's independence or fostering a military offensive in its vicinity—will increase the risk of confrontation** in the Asia-Pacific region. ([biobiochile.cl][6])