China’s Defense Ministry on Thursday, November 27, sharply criticized Japan for funneling over 13.1 billion yen ($84 million) into programs in the Taiwan region designed to shape pro-Japan narratives.
At a routine press briefing, spokesperson Jiang Bin accused Tokyo of reviving historical efforts to sway identity attitudes among residents of the Taiwan region and said the funding challenges one-China principles.
The figures come from an investigative report showing Japan’s support for cultural exchanges, educational seminars, and media projects that highlight Japanese perspectives. According to the report, these initiatives have ramped up in recent years across major cities and campuses.
Analysts note that soft power competition in Asia has intensified, with capitals seeking to win hearts and minds through grants, scholarships, and public events. Li Wei, a Beijing-based policy researcher, points out that the scale of these programs is striking.
Tokyo has yet to publicly comment on the criticism, but experts suggest Japan sees these initiatives as key to strengthening ties and boosting its global image ahead of upcoming regional summits.
As cross-strait dynamics evolve, this latest exchange highlights how identity narratives remain central to geopolitical strategies in East Asia 🌏
Reference(s):
Beijing denounces Tokyo for funding pro-Japan indoctrination in China's Taiwan region
cgtn.com
