China slams Japanese leader for refusing to withdraw her remarks

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian has slammed Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for refusing to withdraw her remarks implying Japan's potential military intervention in the Taiwan Strait, warning the Japanese side not to challenge China's red line.

Lin made the remarks on Friday, after Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister Sun Weidong summoned Japanese Ambassador in Beijing Kenji Kanasugi.

Takaichi's refusal to retract her "extremely erroneous, dangerous and provocative" remarks constitute brutal interference in China's internal affairs, undermine the post-war international order and disrupt the political foundation for China-Japan ties, Lin said.

China is a peace-loving country, but will never compromise on issues concerning its sovereignty and territorial integrity, he said.

"Anyone who attempts to challenge the Chinese people's red line will be met with firm response from China," Lin said, adding that any force that attempts to stop China's reunification is destined to fail.