Japan's PM Takaichi Sparks Outrage in China with Taiwan Comments

Sun Nov 30 2025 22:17:36 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent remarks suggest potential military support for Taiwan if attacked by China, resulting in a diplomatic feud and sharp rebukes from Beijing. The comments expose deep historical animosities and shift Japan's traditional stance on Taiwan's sovereignty.

Tensions between China and Japan escalated after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that Japan could activate its self-defense forces if China attacked Taiwan. This prompted serious protests from both countries, highlighting the historical animosities that shape their relations. As Japan veers away from its previously ambiguous position on Taiwan, the situation remains complex and fraught with potential diplomatic fallout.

Over the past week, China and Japan have been locked in an escalating war of words.

It all started when Japan's new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, suggested that if China attacked Taiwan, then Japan could respond with its own self-defense force. Since then, foreign ministries on both sides have lodged serious protests, with a Chinese diplomat making what was interpreted by some as a threat to behead Takaichi.

The spat touches on the historical animosity between China and Japan, as well as longstanding strategic ambiguity on the sovereignty of Taiwan.

What happened? A timeline

The current tensions were sparked at a parliamentary meeting in Japan last Friday, when an opposition lawmaker asked Takaichi what circumstances surrounding Taiwan would count as a survival-threatening situation for Japan.

If there are battleships and the use of force, no matter how you think about it, it could constitute a survival-threatening situation, Takaichi responded.

A survival-threatening situation is a legal term under Japan's 2015 security law, allowing activation of Japan's self-defense forces in response to armed attacks on allies.

Takaichi's remarks drew ire from Beijing, which characterized them as egregious. The following day, Xue Jian, the Chinese consul general in Osaka, reshared a news article about Takaichi's comments, adding a threatening note, suggesting 'the dirty head that sticks itself in must be cut off.'

While Xue's remarks were deemed inappropriate, Japan's officials lodged protests, leading to China's own protests over Takaichi's declaration.

On Tuesday, Takaichi stood firm, maintaining that her comments aligned with Japan's traditional position, but she indicated she would be cautious in the future.

A long history of animosity

The longstanding animosity between the two countries stems from conflicts in the 1800s and Japan's military actions in China during World War II. Historical grievances remain sore points in bilateral relations.

The recent rise of Takaichi, a protege of Shinzo Abe, suggests an era of further tension as she angles for closer ties with the US and plans to increase Japan’s defense spending, alarming Beijing.

Why Takaichi's recent comments caused such a stir

Takaichi's statements represent a shift from Japan's traditional ambiguous stance on Taiwan's status, aligning more with the US approach of strategic ambiguity concerning defense choices in a potential conflict involving Taiwan.

The official Japanese government stance advocates for a peaceful resolution to the Taiwan issue, typically avoiding discussions about Taiwan in security contexts due to strong reactions from Beijing.

China’s foreign ministry condemned Takaichi's remarks as a severe intrusion into China's internal affairs and asserted its stance that Taiwan is an integral part of China's territory. This continuing tension illustrates the delicate balance Japan tries to maintain in its foreign relations.