Beijing: China on Monday slammed Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-tai for his ongoing visit to Japan, accusing him of having "sinister intentions."

According to Anadolu Agency, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun addressed the issue, stating that Cho harbors "sinister intentions" and had "sneaked to Japan in a furtive and clandestine" manner. Guo accused Cho of pursuing "petty and provocative moves" aimed at seeking "Taiwan independence," describing these actions as "utterly contemptible."

Cho Jung-tai's visit to Japan marks the first known trip by a sitting Taiwanese premier since diplomatic ties were severed between Taiwan and Japan in 1972. During his visit, Cho attended a World Baseball Classic game in Tokyo alongside Taiwan's Representative to Japan Lee Yi-yang and Sports Minister Lee Yang, as reported by the Taipei-based Central News Agency.

Guo Jiakun emphasized China's vigilance and firm opposition to Japan's actions regarding the Taiwan issue. He warned that Japan would face consequences for its perceived provocation and reckless acts, stating that Japan "must bear all the consequences arising therefrom."

Tensions between China and Japan have escalated following comments by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who suggested that any Chinese military action against Taiwan could trigger Japan's right to collective self-defense. Takaichi later clarified her remarks, explaining they were made under a "worst-case scenario" assumption, and denied any intention to retract them.