Daijiworld Media Network – Beijing
Beijing, Nov 14: China sharply escalated its criticism of Japan on Thursday, demanding that Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi withdraw what it called her “egregious” comments on Taiwan, and warning that Tokyo would “bear all consequences” if it failed to do so.
The diplomatic dispute began after Ms. Takaichi told Japan’s parliament last week that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could create a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan, potentially triggering a military response under national security laws.
Addressing reporters in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian condemned the remarks as “crude interference” in China’s internal affairs, calling them a “heavy blow” to already strained China–Japan relations. Reiterating Beijing’s long-standing position, he said, “Should Japan dare to intervene militarily in the Taiwan Strait situation, it will constitute an act of aggression, and China will strike back decisively.”
China claims Taiwan as its territory and has not ruled out using force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan’s government, however, insists that only its people can determine their future.
Tensions showed no signs of easing through the week. A social media account linked to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV labelled Ms. Takaichi a “troublemaker” and warned that she would “have to pay the price” if she continued her comments, using language that stirred further outrage in Japan.
In Tokyo, senior leaders demanded action after China’s Consul General in Osaka, Xue Jian, shared a news article about Ms. Takaichi’s remarks and added, “The dirty head that sticks itself in must be cut off.” Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi described the comment as “regrettable” and said Japan has lodged a strong protest.
Mr. Motegi, speaking in Canada during a G7 meeting, added that Japan would “continue to strongly urge the Chinese side to take appropriate action so that this does not affect the broad direction of Japan–China relations.” He declined to comment on whether Mr. Xue should be expelled.
Diplomats on both sides remain on edge as the dispute marks one of the sharpest public exchanges between Beijing and Tokyo in recent months.