Some of the missiles had failed in Japan’s exclusive economic zone, a response to the visit by US House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, that was “disproportionate” and “beyond our understanding”.
“Is this a dangerous act? Of course,” Yamagami said.
“We are talking about busy maritime routes. So without any prior notification missiles are being shot into those waters.”
‘We are living in an increasingly severe security environment’
The Chinese envoy said his nation was a responsible stakeholder in the international order and spoke of the “opportunity to reset the China-Australia relationship” before laying the blame for all the recent trouble at Australia’s door.
Xiao stressed that Beijing reserves the right to take Taiwan by force, would not apologize for a dangerous intercept of a RAAF plane by a PLA jet fighter in international airspace, and assured the audience that the “basic rights” of two Australians who had been tried in secret were “well protected”.
“Don’t worry about that,” Xiao said.
Yamagami said he found the tone of the address jarring and that China would be judged by its actions.
“This behavior does not match their words,” Yamagami said.
“So we would like to see their deeds and actions matching their words.”
The Japanese envoy said he was deeply troubled by the strategic competition in the region.
“We are living in an increasingly severe security environment,” he said.
You can watch the full interview at the top of the page.