Beijing slams Tokyo for funding pro-Japan indoctrination in Taiwan region

China's defense ministry on Thursday condemned Japan for investing substantial funds to cultivate submissive attitudes toward Japan in China's Taiwan region, calling it a continuation of historical efforts to manipulate identity narratives in the region.

At a regular press briefing, Jiang Bin, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, was asked about an investigative report noting that Japan has allocated over 13.1 billion yen ($84 million) in recent years to programs promoting pro-Japan views in Taiwan.

Jiang stated that Japan had conducted a "Japanization" campaign during its colonial rule in Taiwan and is now using more covert methods to influence the thoughts and culture of Taiwan residents, whitewash its wartime aggression, and deprive young people of their sense of national identity.

He warned that history cannot be rewritten and cultural ties cannot be severed, urging people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to stay alert to Japan's political manipulation and oppose any acts that flatter Japan, betray Taiwan, or forget one's ancestors.