Japanese lawmaker Keiji Furuya. Photograph Credit score: X@UyghurCongress
China imposed sanctions on Monday (March 30, 2026) on Japanese lawmaker Keiji Furuya, a detailed aide of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, as a consequence of his “collusion with Taiwan independence” forces, in its newest transfer in a diplomatic row over Taiwan.
Beijing will bar Mr. Furuya’s entry into China and freeze his property and different property within the nation efficient instantly, China’s Overseas Ministry mentioned.
Mr. Furuya, as the pinnacle of a cross-party Japan-Taiwan lawmakers group, has visited Taiwan many instances accompanying Japanese political leaders, most just lately earlier this month to satisfy its President Lai Ching-te in Taipei.
The Chinese language Ministry accused Mr. Furuya of colluding with “separatist forces” in Taiwan, as he made journeys to the island “in defiance of China’s sturdy opposition”.
China, which views democratically ruled Taiwan as a part of its territory, objects to official visits by international politicians to the island as they are seen to be undermining the “One China” precept and Beijing’s declare over the island.
Taiwan’s authorities rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims.
The Ministry mentioned Mr. Furuya’s actions “represent gross interference in China’s inside affairs, and severely undermine China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity”.
In response, talking to reporters at Japan’s parliament, Mr. Furuya mentioned visiting Taiwan is a pure operate of the parliamentary group he leads, including he had not visited mainland China in a long time and had no property there, in keeping with Kyodo.
Mr. Furuya has additionally been a detailed aide of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, supporting her election because the ruling Liberal Democratic Occasion chief final yr.
Ties between Tokyo and Beijing have deteriorated since Ms. Takaichi prompt final November that a hypothetical Chinese language assault on Taiwan might set off a Japanese army response.
Earlier final yr, Beijing additionally sanctioned China-born Japanese lawmaker Seki Hei for his remarks on points together with Taiwan.
Revealed – March 30, 2026 12:07 pm IST