Japan’s ambassador to Australia, Shingo Yamagami, has described China’s use of ballistic missiles in its live-fire drills around Taiwan as “shocking” and a “dangerous act”, agreeing with the rogue behavior of North Korea.
Some of the missiles had landed in Japan’s exclusive economic zone, a response to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit that was “disproportionate” and “beyond our understanding”.
“Is it a dangerous act? Of course,” said Ambassador Yamagami.
Japan’s Ambassador to Australia, Shingo Yamagami. (new)
“We are talking about very busy sea routes. So, without any prior notification, missiles are being fired into these waters.”
“We live in an increasingly serious security environment”
The Chinese envoy said his nation was a responsible player in the international order and spoke of “the opportunity to restore the China-Australia relationship” before laying the blame for all the recent problems at Australia’s door.
In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, aircraft from the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) conduct joint combat training exercises around Taiwan on Sunday . (AP)
Ambassador Xiao stressed that Beijing reserves the right to take Taiwan by force, would not apologize for a dangerous interception of an RAAF aircraft by a PLA fighter in international airspace and assured the audience that the “basic rights” of two Australians who had been tried in secret were “well protected”.
“Don’t worry about it,” Ambassador Xiao said.
Ambassador Yamagami said he found the tone of the address discordant and that China would be judged by its actions.
“This behavior does not match his words,” said Ambassador Yamagami.
“So we would like to see their actions and actions match their words.”
The Japanese envoy said he was deeply concerned about strategic competition in the region.
“We live in an increasingly serious security environment,” he said.
You can watch the full interview at the top of the page.