China’s Foreign Ministry of China on Monday criticized Cho Jung-tai for visiting Japan, saying the trip “harbours evil designs” and constitutes “separatist provocations through petty manoeuvres.”

Cho traveled to Japan on Saturday to support Taiwan’s baseball team at the World Baseball Classic, a move Taiwanese media reported as the first visit by a sitting premier to Japan since the two countries severed formal diplomatic ties in 1972.

Beijing Warns of Consequences

Guo Jiakun, speaking at a press briefing in Beijing, said China remains “highly vigilant” and strongly opposes any attempts by Japan to push boundaries regarding Taiwan.

Guo added that Tokyo would bear the consequences of any fallout resulting from the visit, signaling Beijing’s ongoing sensitivity to Taiwan-Japan interactions.

Taiwan Maintains Visit Was Private

Taiwanese officials described Cho’s trip as a private visit focused on supporting the island’s baseball team, rather than a diplomatic or political engagement.