TAIPEI (TVBS News) — China announced sanctions on Monday (March 30) against Keiji Furuya (古屋圭司), head of the Japan-ROC Diet Members' Consultative Council, following his recent visit to Taiwan. Mao Ning (毛寧), spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the measures include freezing Furuya's assets in China and banning him from entering the country. Mao cited China's "Law on Countering Foreign Sanctions" as the basis for the action.
Mao emphasized Taiwan's status as a "core interest of the core" for China and said China has lodged "stern representations" with Japan over Furuya's visit. During his visit on March 16, President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) described Furuya as an important international friend to Taiwan, acknowledging his contributions to Taiwan-Japan relations and regional peace. Furuya attended the 2026 Yushan Forum, where he said Taiwan is a partner sharing universal values and that China has no right to interfere in cultural exchanges.
Separately, a bipartisan U.S. Senate delegation arrived in Taiwan earlier that day. The delegation, led by senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and John Curtis (R-NC), met with President Lai. Mao said China firmly opposes official U.S.-Taiwan exchanges and has lodged stern concerns with the United States over the visit. Lai expressed gratitude for continued U.S. support under the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances, emphasizing the deepening of U.S.-Taiwan cooperation. ◼