Amidst tension on Taiwan, Jinping called Trump, will Japan's missile deployment lead to war?

An important diplomatic stir took place on Monday amidst increasing tension in Asia. Chinese President Xi Jinping called former American President Donald Trump. This call has taken place at a time when the situation around Taiwan is extremely sensitive and the open tension between China and Japan is continuously increasing. Chinese government agency Xinhua has confirmed this phone call. Questions immediately arose around the phone call whether the increasing tension around Taiwan, Japan’s missile deployment and China’s strict response has forced Beijing to intensify its diplomatic front?

China on Monday accused Japan of “creating tension” in the region by deploying missiles near Taiwan and “provoking military confrontation.” Japan plans to install a medium-range missile system on Yonaguni Island, just 110 km from Taiwan. Beijing is calling it a threat to its security. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said Japan’s conservative and right-wing thinking is a threat to the region. It is leading to destruction. This statement came when Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said that if China attacks Taiwan, then Japan can respond militarily.

Japan’s counterattack-we will protect our territory

Japan’s Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said the missile deployment plan was “advancing rapidly” and the move was necessary to protect Yonaguni Island. He says that this deployment will reduce the possibility of war, not increase it. Taiwan also openly supported Japan for the first time. Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Francois Wu said, Japan is a sovereign country and has the full right to take steps for its own security. This will help in maintaining stability in the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan clearly said that Japan has no hostile intentions.

China’s sharp reaction

After Japan’s statements, China took many strict steps. Banned Japanese seafood. Japanese film release stopped. Citizens warned not to go to Japan. Continuous sharp editorials in government media. This has become the worst diplomatic dispute in the Asia-Pacific region in the last several years.

Tension increased due to war video

Here, China’s army PLA has released several “war warning” videos on social media in the last one week. In these videos, soldiers are seen firing weapons, firing missiles and destroying targets on land and sea. There is a line in the video of PLA Rocket Force, if war starts today, this is my answer. In the video from the Southern Naval Command, soldiers were seen saying, “If fighting starts tonight, are you ready?” In another video, warships were seen firing missiles, and the song was playing… Come, enemy! Fight! These videos are being considered as a direct message to Japan and Taiwan.

Then why did Jinping call Trump?

According to experts, this call can happen due to three reasons. First, Trump has been doing bargaining politics with China in the past also. Beijing is probably reactivating old channels. Second, Japan’s missile plan is very difficult for China. The phone call could be an attempt to create diplomatic balance. And thirdly, amidst PLA’s war video, Japan’s warning and Taiwan’s support, this call is also a message to America that China wants to keep the doors of dialogue open.

Has the risk of rust increased?

At present the possibility of war is less, but the situation is very sensitive. Taiwan is China’s red line. For the first time, Japan is making military preparations in such an aggressive manner. PLA’s videos are giving a direct message that Dragon is not ready to retreat. If the conflict escalates due to a misunderstanding or a small skirmish, the entire region can be affected. The conversation between Xi Jinping and Trump is an indication that Beijing is working simultaneously on two fronts, military and diplomacy. Japan’s missile deployment, China’s warnings, Taiwan’s activism and PLA’s furious videos show that the situation is hotter than ever.