Beijing Criticises Talks Between Taiwan & Japan Governing Parties

Wires and social media reporting comments from the Chinese Foreign Ministry criticising the proposed talks between Japan's governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Taiwan's governing Democratic People's Party (DPP).

• Comments state that Japan should stop meddling in China's internal affairs.
• Talks due to take place on Friday to discuss regional security and are the first bilateral talks between the two parties.
• There has been increased focus on Taiwan's future security in the aftermath of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan and the subsequent Taliban takeover. Some observers have questioned whether the US will remain committed to the defence of Taiwan in the event of Chinese military action.
• Speaking to the FT, senior LDP lawmaker Masahisa Sato stated that Taiwan's future has "a serious impact" on Japanese security and its economy.
• Earlier this week, US VP Kamala Harris, on a trip to SE Asia, lambasted China, stating that, "Beijing continues to coerce, to intimidate and to make claims to the vast majority of the South China Sea...the United States stands with our allies and partners in the face of these threats".