China summoned Japan’s ambassador on Friday (Nov 14) after controversial remarks made by Japan’s new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, regarding Taiwan. Takaichi’s statement to Japan’s parliament last week suggested that an armed attack on Taiwan could trigger Japan’s military involvement under “collective self-defence.” She stated that if such an emergency led to the use of force, it would constitute a situation threatening Japan’s survival.
Following backlash, Takaichi clarified that her comments were hypothetical, and she assured that she would refrain from making similar remarks in the future. However, she maintained that her statement reflected Japan’s official stance, despite opposition lawmaker Oogushi Hiroshi urging her to retract it.
Japan’s government, meanwhile, reiterated that its position on Taiwan remains unchanged. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara emphasized the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait for both Japan’s security and the international community. He reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of Taiwan-related issues through dialogue, consistent with the 1972 Japan-China Joint Communique that established bilateral relations based on the “One China” policy.
Despite this, Beijing has expressed its strong disapproval. China’s Vice Foreign Minister, Sun Weidong, summoned Japan’s ambassador to China, Kenji Kanasugi, on Thursday, condemning Takaichi’s remarks as “erroneous.” Beijing warned that any interference with China’s unification efforts would be met with strong retaliation, emphasizing its stance on Taiwan as part of its territory.
The comments also drew criticism from Beijing’s foreign ministry, which called for Japan to immediately retract the remarks. “The Japanese side must correct its wrongdoing,” spokesperson Lin Jian said, further asserting that China would not tolerate such statements.
Takaichi, known for her hawkish stance on China, has long supported Taiwan and advocated for stronger security ties with the island. She has also been a frequent visitor to the Yasukuni shrine, a site that honors Japan’s war dead, which further fuels tensions between Japan and China.
Japan’s security legislation, passed in 2015, allows for collective self-defence if Japan’s survival is directly threatened. This framework provides the legal basis for Japan to support Taiwan if necessary. However, the recent diplomatic spat highlights the growing tensions in the region over Taiwan’s future and the broader strategic competition between Japan and China.
In response to the controversy, the Chinese consul general in Osaka, Xue Jian, posted a threatening remark on social media, which was later removed. The post, which appeared to reference Takaichi without naming her directly, stated that China would not hesitate to “cut off that dirty neck.”
Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi condemned the post as “highly inappropriate” and urged China to ensure that such actions do not affect Japan-China relations, which have already been strained by historical and territorial issues.
