Top Chinese Diplomat Reaches Out to France Amid Japan Tensions
China's senior diplomat Wang Yi has initiated a strategic phone conversation with his French counterpart, emphasizing the need for mutual support between Beijing and Paris. This diplomatic move comes as China seeks to bolster international backing during an escalating dispute with Japan concerning Taiwan.
The conversation occurred on Thursday between Wang Yi and Emmanuel Bonne, who serves as the diplomatic adviser to French President Emmanuel Macron. During their discussion, Wang specifically referenced what he characterized as "provocative remarks related to Taiwan" made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi earlier this month.
China's Call for Solidarity on Core Interests
According to an official statement released by China's Foreign Ministry, Wang Yi stressed that Beijing and Paris should "firmly support each other on issues involving each other's core interests." The Chinese diplomat made a direct appeal to France, stating, "I hope that the French side will continue to firmly abide by the one-China principle."
The timing of this diplomatic outreach is particularly significant, as French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to make a state visit to China next week. The upcoming visit is expected to focus on economic and commercial discussions between the two nations.
China's Multi-Pronged Diplomatic Offensive
China has been actively pursuing international support in its dispute with Japan through multiple channels. Last week, Beijing escalated the matter by sending a formal letter to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. In this communication, China accused Prime Minister Takaichi of violating international law through comments that publicly connected a potential Taiwan Strait crisis with the possible deployment of Japanese troops.
This strategy appears designed to advance China's territorial claims regarding Taiwan while expanding the dispute beyond bilateral channels into international forums where China typically enjoys substantial support. The diplomatic pressure campaign complements other measures China has implemented against Japan, including economic countermeasures and intensified rhetorical attacks.
Prime Minister Takaichi has maintained her position despite China's demands, refusing to retract the statements she made on November 7th. In those remarks, she linked Japan's security considerations with potential contingencies involving Taiwan, marking the first instance of such comments from a sitting Japanese prime minister.
This week, Takaichi clarified that she did not intend to provide specific details regarding Taiwan and reaffirmed the Japanese government's established position on responding to regional emergencies. She emphasized that for any specific incident, Japan would make determinations based on comprehensive assessment of all relevant information.
The French embassy in Beijing had not responded to requests for comment at the time of reporting. The evolving situation represents a significant test for diplomatic relations in the region as China continues its efforts to isolate Japan internationally over the Taiwan issue.
