Japan’s prime minister condemned China’s firing of ballistic missiles during military drills around Taiwan. The PM called them a serious problem that impacts our national security and the safety of our citizens. Five Chinese missiles appear to have fallen in the country’s exclusive economic zone. Four of those are believed to have flown over Taiwan’s main island. China’s actions this time around have a serious impact on the peace and stability of the region and the international community. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters after meeting US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for breakfast.
China views Taiwan as part of its territory and has vowed to retake the island one day, by force if necessary.
The PM told her that we have called for the immediate cancellation of the military drills. Pelosi is in Tokyo for the final leg of an Asian tour that included a stop in Taiwan, infuriating Beijing. Which has launched its largest-ever military drills around the self-ruled island in response. The 82-year-old politician defied stern threats from China to become the highest-profile US official to visit Taiwan in years. Saying her trip made it unequivocally clear the United States would not abandon a democratic ally. China views Taiwan as part of its territory and has vowed to retake the island one day, by force if necessary. Kishida said he and Pelosi discussed geopolitical issues including matters related to North Korea, China, and Russia. As well as efforts toward a nuclear-free world. Pelosi arrived Thursday night from South Korea, another key US ally. Where she visited the border with the nuclear-armed North. It is her first time in Japan since 2015.
