Rising Tensions: China Calls in Japanese Ambassador Amid Taiwan Controversy

Sun Nov 30 2025 22:17:32 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

China has summoned the Japanese ambassador over controversial remarks made by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan, escalating diplomatic tensions between the two nations.

In a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions, China has summoned Japan's ambassador following comments made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Her recent remarks suggested that Japan may respond with military force if China attacks Taiwan, which provoked a strong reaction from Beijing. This ongoing conflict highlights the historical animosity between the two countries and poses questions about the evolving nature of their diplomatic relations concerning Taiwan.

China has summoned the Japanese ambassador in Beijing over Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's comments on Taiwan.

China and Japan have been locked in an escalating war of words this week, set off by Takaichi's suggestion that Japan could respond with its own self-defence force if China attacked Taiwan.

Both countries' foreign ministries have lodged serious protests with each other. A Chinese diplomat also made a comment which some interpreted 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 self-governed Taiwan.

Here's what else you need to know about it:

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 for the activation of Japan's Self-Defence Forces in the face of such threats.

Takaichi's remarks drew immediate ire from Beijing, with China's foreign ministry describing them as 'egregious'.

On Saturday, China's consul general in Osaka added incendiary comments on social media following Takaichi's remarks, leading Tokyo to lodge protests against Beijing.

In the days following, both countries reiterated their positions, with Takaichi standing by her comments, and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong expressing discontent directly to the Japanese ambassador.

A long history of animosity

Longstanding animosity between China and Japan can be traced back to conflicts in the 19th century and Japan’s military actions during World War II.

The recent ascension of Takaichi, who has advocated increased defense initiatives, further complicates these relations amidst ongoing tensions regarding Taiwan.

Why Takaichi's recent comments caused such a stir

Takaichi's recent comments mark a departure from Japan's traditionally ambiguous stance on Taiwan's status, echoing U.S. policy. This shift has caused unease in Beijing, prompting strong reactions from Chinese officials.