China has sharply condemned Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for suggesting Japan could deploy its military in the event of a Taiwan-related crisis, calling her comments a “serious disruption” to Sino-Japanese relations and a challenge to the post-war international order.
Takaichi told Japan’s parliament last week that a Taiwan contingency involving military force could be considered a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan, potentially allowing Tokyo to act alongside US forces.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian responded on Monday, saying the statement “blatantly interferes in China’s internal affairs” and violates the one-China principle. Lin questioned whether Japan was attempting to “challenge China’s core interests and obstruct national reunification” and said Beijing had formally lodged a protest with Tokyo.
The remarks come shortly after Takaichi met Chinese President Xi Jinping at the APEC summit in South Korea on October 31, where Xi urged her to respect key agreements on historical and Taiwan-related issues to maintain stable bilateral relations.
Relations between Beijing and Tokyo have long been strained by historical mistrust, territorial disputes, and Japan’s alliance with the United States. Earlier this month, Beijing also protested Takaichi’s engagement with a former senior Taiwanese politician at the summit.
Tensions escalated further after the Chinese consul general in Osaka, Xue Jian, posted a controversial comment on social media referencing Takaichi’s remarks, which Japan condemned as “extremely inappropriate.” Xue later deleted the post.
Lin said the online controversy stems from the “dangerous and erroneous remarks” advocating Taiwan separatism, and accused some Japanese politicians and media of “deliberately hyping” the issue to distort facts. He warned that threats have been made online against Beijing’s top diplomat in Osaka and called on Japan to investigate and curb such actions.
The incident highlights the delicate balance in Sino-Japanese relations, as both nations navigate security concerns, regional influence, and historical sensitivities while remaining major trading partners.
