China Sanctions Japanese Lawmaker Following Taiwan Visit, Taipei Expresses Strong Disapproval
Taipei, Taiwan – China has imposed sanctions on Japanese lawmaker Keiji Fuyuwara, chair of the Japan-China Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group, in response to his recent visit to Taiwan and participation in the Yushan Forum. The move, announced yesterday, has drawn sharp criticism from Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to Chinese state media, the sanctions include freezing Fuyuwara’s assets within China, barring him from entering the country and Hong Kong, and preventing Chinese entities and individuals from transacting with him. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that Fuyuwara’s visit “seriously interfered in China’s internal affairs,” reiterating Beijing’s position that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China.
Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Chen Ming-chi, strongly condemned the sanctions, calling them “regrettable” and indicative of a troubling approach to diplomacy. “If diplomacy is conducted in this manner, it is truly lamentable,” Chen said, adding that Taiwan and China do not have a hierarchical relationship and that normal exchanges between individuals from both sides are natural.
The sanctions approach as China prepares for a potential meeting between President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden. Chen suggested that Beijing’s actions may be an attempt to create a more favorable position ahead of the summit, highlighting what he described as the ineffectiveness of China’s “cross-border suppression” tactics.
Fuyuwara has visited Taiwan multiple times, most recently attending the Yushan Forum this month. He has consistently voiced support for Taiwan and emphasized the importance of cross-strait peace and stability. Notably, Fuyuwara stated through Japanese media that the sanctions would have little impact, as he has not visited China in decades and holds no assets there.
This represents not the first time China has taken such measures against foreign officials who engage with Taiwan. Previously, sanctions were imposed on U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The Taiwanese government maintains that it is a sovereign entity and that interactions between its representatives and foreign officials are legitimate and normal. Chen Ming-chi emphasized Taiwan’s increasing international standing, suggesting that China’s reliance on intimidation reflects a diminishing ability to attract support through positive engagement.
Context: China’s “Cross-Border Suppression”
China’s use of economic and diplomatic pressure against countries and individuals who maintain official or unofficial ties with Taiwan is a long-standing practice. Often framed as a defense of its “One China” principle, these actions are intended to discourage international recognition of Taiwan’s sovereignty and limit its space in the international community. This approach, often referred to as “cross-border suppression,” has faced increasing criticism for its coercive nature and limited effectiveness.
Given the escalating tensions, what impact will China’s continued use of coercive diplomacy have on regional stability and international perceptions of its foreign policy?
