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Explainer | Taiwan has become a flashpoint for Beijing and Tokyo. Here’s why

The self-governed island has long been a source of tension between China and Japan

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Taiwan’s remote Shiyu islet, seen from behind anti-landing spikes on the frontline island of Little Quemoy, or Kinmen. Photo: AFP
Under the gaze of global media earlier this month, Beijing’s top diplomat Wang Yi warned Tokyo not to interfere in affairs related to Taiwan, saying that doing so would “invite trouble”.
His remarks – made at a press briefing on the sidelines of the annual National People’s Congress – reflect how important the Taiwan issue is to Beijing in its bilateral ties.
The situation unravelled last week, days after Wang met Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Tokyo. Japan lodged a protest over a Chinese statement on the meeting which it said misquoted Ishiba as saying that Tokyo “respected the positions explained by the Chinese side”.

Japan’s foreign ministry denied the statement had been made by Ishiba.

Wang also repeated Beijing’s stance on key issues – including Taiwan and historical matters – and called on Japan to uphold its political commitments to China, according to the Chinese statement.

This is just the latest tense exchange between Beijing and Tokyo over Taiwan in recent years. Here’s why the self-governed island has become a flashpoint in the relationship.

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