China issued a sharp warning on Wednesday, declaring that any foreign effort to support Taiwan—particularly Japan’s recent military moves—would be decisively “crushed.” The statement came as Taiwan announced a sweeping new $40bn defence spending package in response to intensifying pressure from Beijing.

Peng Qingen, spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, said during a press briefing that Beijing possesses the “firm will, strong determination, and sufficient capability” to defend its sovereignty.

“We will crush all foreign interference,” Peng emphasized, responding to questions about Japan’s plan to deploy missile systems on islands near Taiwan.

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Beijing Condemns Japan’s Missile Deployment Near Taiwan

The latest flare-up follows Japan’s decision to station a medium-range surface-to-air missile system on Yonaguni, its westernmost island located just 110km (68 miles) from Taiwan. Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said the move was intended to bolster Tokyo’s security and reduce the likelihood of an armed conflict.

China, however, condemned the deployment as a “deliberate attempt” to escalate regional tensions.

“Japan’s deployment of offensive weapons near the Taiwan region is extremely dangerous and intentionally provokes military confrontation,” Peng said.

Koizumi pushed back on the criticism, noting that Japan’s Type 03 guided missile system is exclusively defensive and widely deployed across the country. “They are not intended to attack other countries,” he said.

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Taiwan Welcomes Japan’s Increased Security Presence

Taiwan applauded Tokyo’s expanded military capabilities on Yonaguni, stating that the move contributes to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

“This helps maintain security in the Taiwan Strait,” Taiwan Deputy Foreign Minister Francois Wu said, adding that Japan poses no threat to Taiwan’s sovereignty.

Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te announced that the island will establish a $40bn supplementary defence budget spanning eight years (2026–2033). Lai has already pledged to raise defence spending to 5% of Taiwan’s GDP, citing the increasing threat from Beijing.

“History has shown that compromising in the face of aggression leads only to enslavement,” Lai said. “Our sovereignty and democratic values are the foundation of our nation.”

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Taiwan’s New Defence Plan Focuses on Missiles and US Cooperation

Taiwan’s defence minister Wellington Koo reiterated that the new funding represents an upper limit for the special budget. The package will focus heavily on:

• Precision-strike missiles
• Joint weapons development programs
• Expanded defence procurement with the United States

China dismissed Taiwan’s increased military spending as misguided and dangerous.

“They squander funds that could improve people’s livelihoods by purchasing weapons and currying favour with external powers,” Peng said. “This will only plunge Taiwan into disaster.”

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Suspected Chinese Drone Spotted Near Japan-Taiwan Airspace

Amid the rising tensions, Japan’s Defence Ministry said it scrambled aircraft after detecting an unmanned aerial vehicle believed to be Chinese flying between Yonaguni and Taiwan. The drone sighting comes as both nations report increased military activity in the region.

Relations between Beijing and Tokyo have deteriorated sharply following remarks by Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who suggested that Tokyo might intervene militarily if China launched an attack on Taiwan. The comment triggered outrage in Beijing, along with a Chinese tourism boycott targeting Japan.

While Takaichi has refused to retract her remarks, Tokyo says it remains open to dialogue with China to reduce tensions.