On Thursday, China’s Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong summoned Japanese Ambassador Kenji Kanasugi to express his anger over comments regarding Taiwan. The situation escalated when a Chinese official even made a violent threat towards Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
During the meeting, Sun lectured Kanasugi on the historical relations between China, Japan, and Taiwan. He insisted that Takaichi retract her recent statement labeling China’s intentions toward Taiwan as a “situation that threatens Japan’s existence.”
Takaichi, who has been particularly supportive of Taiwan during her political career, made her remarks in the National Diet on November 7. She emphasized the seriousness of the Taiwan situation, suggesting that Japan must consider worst-case scenarios.
Her use of the phrase “existential crisis” deeply angered China, as Japan’s Self-Defense Forces, even under its pacifist constitution, could theoretically respond militarily in such dire circumstances. Takaichi is known for advocating constitutional amendments that would allow more military action.
Kyodo News highlighted that past Japanese leaders, including Takaichi’s mentor, the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, had made similar comments regarding Taiwan’s security but had not specifically referred to “existential threats.”
China’s longstanding opposition to such statements turned particularly intense following Takaichi’s recent remarks, especially given her status as Japan’s first female prime minister. Her strong stance on Taiwan appeared to provoke the Chinese officials even more.
After Takaichi’s speech, she clarified that this did not indicate a change in Japan’s official policy. Nonetheless, Chinese officials quickly reacted with hyperbole, eager to criticize her words.
Last Saturday, Xue Jian, the Chinese consul general in Osaka, drew attention by threatening to decapitate Takaichi in a now-deleted social media post.
Japanese officials expressed their disapproval, stating that Xue’s comments were inappropriate and violated diplomatic norms. U.S. Ambassador to Japan George Glass joined in, stating that the Chinese government needed to act like a “good neighbor.”
The fallout from Xue’s comments further fueled the Chinese Communist Party’s anger and desire to “win” this diplomatic clash, with calls for an apology from Takaichi. Chinese authorities demanded that Xue retract his threats without any apologies.
In a lengthy address to Kanasugi, Sun emphatically criticized Takaichi’s statements as provocative and a serious violation of international norms, stressing that China would not tolerate such interference.
Sun stated that Takaichi’s remarks were not only inaccurate but also dangerous, disrupting the foundation of diplomatic relations between China and Japan. He invoked the 80th anniversary of China’s victory in its war against Japanese aggression, warning that China would respond decisively to any interference with its reunification efforts.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lin Jian echoed the threats, asserting that any Japanese intervention in Taiwan would be met with strong resistance from China.
Lin called for Japan to retract its statements or face serious consequences, reminding everyone that the struggle against Japanese aggression was just 80 years prior.
Meanwhile, Takaichi’s remarks continued to be scrutinized by Chinese officials, with questions about Japan’s military intentions arising. Hayashi noted the historical context, hinting at the lasting scars of past conflicts.
He warned Japan against its provocative statements, reiterating that any missteps could lead to dire consequences.
Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara attempted a more conciliatory approach, calling for a peaceful resolution despite China’s harsh rhetoric. However, he also urged appropriate actions against Xue.
Opinions within Chinese media remain heated, with commentators drawing attention to the “sharp edge” of China’s military responses. Hu Xijin, a prominent ultra-nationalist figure, expressed that any Japanese military incursion in the Taiwan Strait would meet with fierce retaliation.
Editorials from state-run outlets further criticized Takaichi, with some calling for her to confront the consequences of her statements, while others in Japan advocate for expelling Xue for his threats. Meanwhile, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan due to safety concerns resulting from Takaichi’s remarks.
