BEIJING: China urged the US on Thursday to rein in Japan and prevent any “actions to revive militarism” in an editorial published by the newspaper of the ruling Communist Party, as a war of words over the Japanese prime minister’s remarks on Taiwan. The timing of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s call with US President Donald Trump on Monday, followed by Trump’s call with Japan’s TAKAICHI Sanae the next day, prompted analysts to speculate that Beijing had asked Washington to step in to ease hostilities.

The diplomatic furor erupted after Takaichi told parliament on November 7 that a hypothetical Chinese attack on Taiwan could draw a military response from Tokyo.

“China and the United States share a common responsibility to jointly safeguard the post-war international order and oppose any attempts or actions to revive militarism,” the article said, highlighting how the two countries shared a common enemy during World War Two, Japan.

“The communication between the Chinese and US leaders has significant practical implications,” the editorial added, asserting that Takaichi’s comments have “raised concern and vigilance in the international community regarding Japan’s dangerous strategic moves.”

The commentary was published under the pen name “Zhong Sheng,” meaning “Voice of China,” which is often used to give the paper’s view on foreign policy issues.

Trump told Takaichi to avoid further escalation with China during their call, two Japanese government sources told Reuters.

Mao Ning, a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, did not address whether Xi had asked Trump to intervene when asked during a regular news conference on Wednesday.

People’s Daily said Trump had told Xi that the US understood the importance of Taiwan to China. Trump made no mention of the democratically-governed island that Beijing regards as part of its territory in his Truth Social post following their conversation.

Japan’s Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said on Sunday that plans to deploy a medium-range surface-to-air missile unit at a military base on Yonaguni, an island about 110 km (68 miles) off Taiwan’s east coast were “steadily moving forward,” drawing sharp criticism from Beijing.

“China and the US fought side by side against fascism and militarism, and should now work together to safeguard the victory of World War Two,” People’s Daily said. 

Taiwan defense plan

Amid growing tensions in the region, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te on Wednesday announced a special $40 billion budget for arms purchases, including to build an air defense system with high-level detection and interception capabilities called Taiwan Dome, as the US pressures the island to increase its defense spending.

The budget will be allocated over eight years, from 2026 to 2033, and comes after Lai already pledged to raise defense spending to 5 percent of the island’s GDP, as part of his strategy amid China’s threats of invasion.

“China’s threats to Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific region are escalating,” Lai said Wednesday. “Recently, various types of military intrusions, maritime gray zones and disinformation campaigns have been occurring in Japan, the Philippines and around the Taiwan Strait, causing deep unease and distress to all parties in the region.”

“Taiwan, as the most important and most critical part of the first island chain, must demonstrate our determination and take on a greater responsibility in self-defense,” he said, referring to the string of islands stretching from Japan’s East China Sea through the Philippines in the Pacific Ocean.

Currently, Taiwan has set an increase in its defense budget to 3.3 percent of its GDP for 2026, allocating $949.5 billion Taiwan dollars ($31.18 billion). US President Donald Trump has demanded Taiwan raise its defense spending to as much as 10 percent of GDP, a proportion well above what the US or any of its major allies spend.

The US State Department on Wednesday said it welcomes Taiwan’s budget announcement and “supports Taiwan’s acquisition of critical defense capabilities, commensurate with the threat it faces.”

It also said it welcomes commitments by Lai’s administration to increase defense spending to at least 5 percent of GDP by 2030, “which demonstrates resolve to strengthen Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities.”

Taiwan, a self-ruled island, is claimed by China. In recent years, China has deployed warplanes, navy ships and drones toward the island on a daily basis in military exercises as part of its efforts to exert pressure.

Lai had previewed the announcement in an op-ed for The Washington Post on Wednesday, saying the special budget would be used to purchase arms from the US He told reporters Wednesday, however, that the budget has nothing to do with the government’s tariff negotiations with the US

Wellington Koo, Taiwan’s defense minister, said Wednesday the $40 billion is an upper limit for the special budget and that it will be used to buy precision-strike missiles and work toward the joint development and procurement between Taiwan and the US of equipment and systems.

Lai also said his government would focus on finding ways to increase its defense against Beijing’s “psychological warfare” as China attempts to “weaken our unity.” He said the government will monitor and increase public awareness of China’s interference attempts during major events and elections.

Lai also commented on an escalating feud between China and Japan, which started after Japan’s conservative new leader said the country might get involved militarily if China makes a move against Taiwan. The remarks incensed Beijing.

Lai said Japanese Prime Minister TAKAICHI Sanae’s comments appeared to be focused largely on the stability of the region.

“We hope China can understand that each country in the Indo-Pacific region has a responsibility to its peace and stability, and that we especially hope China, as a major power in the region, would also demonstrate the responsibilities of a major power,” Lai said. “Instead, it has continued to raise threats and attacks toward neighboring countries. This is not the way a responsible major power acts.”