The South China Morning Post reported on Thursday that Chinese intelligence agencies will begin pursuing Japanese spies in connection with leaks of classified Chinese information.

The newspaper, citing China’s Ministry of National Security, stated that “Chinese security agencies have in recent years been detecting and preventing attempts by Japanese intelligence services to steal classified information.”

The ministry emphasized that “its officers will work to crush any malicious conspiracies aimed at dividing the nation through intelligence operations and confront any vile acts by foreign countries seeking to destabilize regional peace and stability.”

These developments follow remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who warned that any Chinese attack on Taiwan would create “a survival-threatening situation,” compelling Japan to respond. Her comments drew criticism from China as well as from opposition parties in Japan.

In response, China summoned Japanese Ambassador to Beijing Kenji Kanasugi and issued a formal protest over the prime minister’s statements regarding Taiwan, delivered by Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong. China also advised its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan.