Beijing: China on Friday urged Japan to confront its colonial rule over Taiwan and withdraw recent comments by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi that Beijing says interfere in its internal affairs. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated Japan 'imposed colonial rule on the island of Taiwan for half a century, committing countless heinous crimes,' according to remarks reported by the Global Times.

According to Anadolu Agency, Mao said Takaichi's statements 'sent a serious wrong signal to 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces, and endangered peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits.' Speaking at a news conference in Beijing, she noted that this year marks the 80th anniversary of China's victory over Japan in World War II and called on Tokyo to 'profoundly reflect on its historical crimes, learn from historical lessons, abide by the one-China principle, and act cautiously on the Taiwan question.'

Mao urged Japan to 'withdraw its erroneous remarks, stop interfering in China's internal affairs, and honor its commitments to China with concrete actions.' The statement from Beijing follows Takaichi's comments from November 7, suggesting that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could legally constitute a 'survival-threatening situation,' which could allow Japan to 'exercise the right of collective self-defense.' These remarks have escalated tensions between the two nations.

China has sharply criticized Takaichi's comments, and in response, hundreds of thousands of Chinese tourists reportedly canceled trips to Japan. In addition, Tokyo announced that Beijing halted Japanese seafood imports and postponed a planned trilateral culture ministers' meeting with Japan and South Korea, a move Japan criticized.