Beijing: A pointed remark by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on the security implications of a Taiwan conflict has triggered one of the sharpest diplomatic flare-ups between China and Japan in recent years. What began as a policy explanation in Tokyo has rapidly escalated into a full-blown political, economic and security row — with both countries trading warnings, summoning diplomats and amplifying nationalist rhetoric. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman of China, Mao Ning, warned on Wednesday that if Japan refuses to withdraw Prime Minister Takaichi’s recent remarks about Taiwan, and if it persists in its wrongdoing, China will have no choice but to take severe and resolute countermeasures and all consequences arising from this will be borne by the Japanese side.
What Sparked the Latest Dispute?
The immediate trigger was Takaichi’s statement in Japan’s parliament that if China were to use force or impose a blockade on Taiwan, it could pose an “existential threat” to Japan. Under Japan’s security laws, such a situation could allow Tokyo to deploy its Self-Defense Forces to assist allies.
For Beijing, this was more than a hypothetical scenario — it was a direct challenge to its claim that Taiwan is part of China. China condemned the comment as interference in its internal affairs and accused Japan o
f crossing political red lines.
The backlash intensified when China’s consul-general in Osaka, Xue Jian, wrote a hostile post on X targeting Takaichi. Tokyo lodged a strong protest, deepening the diplomatic rift.
Why China Is So Angry
Beijing’s response goes beyond routine protest notes:
It insists Takaichi’s comment violates the one-China principle.
It sees the remarks as a sign that Japan is moving closer to military involvement in any Taiwan conflict.
China warned Japan would have to “bear all consequences” if it intervened.
Chinese state media amplified the criticism, accusing Japan of re-militarising.
Adding pressure, China summoned Japan’s ambassador, advised Chinese citizens to avoid travel to Japan, and began using economic levers such as suspending imports of Japanese seafood.
Security Flashpoint: The Senkaku/Diaoyu Layer
Tension over Taiwan is unfolding alongside a long-standing territorial dispute in the East China Sea. In recent days, China has stepped up coast guard activity around the disputed Senkaku (Diaoyu) Islands. Japanese officials see this as a sign of China testing Japan’s resolve during the diplomatic spat.
Why This Moment Matters More Than Usual
Several factors make the current situation particularly sensitive:
Japan linked its own security directly to Taiwan’s fate — something Beijing interprets as a shift in Japan’s post-war military restraint.
Harsh rhetoric from Chinese officials has raised fears of miscalculation.
Economic retaliation and travel advisories show Beijing is willing to widen the dispute beyond diplomacy.
The U.S.–Japan alliance adds a strategic dimension that could complicate any Taiwan-related tension.
Where This Could Lead
Analysts warn that if neither side dials down its language, the standoff could:
Strain economic ties
Increase military activity near the Senkaku Islands
Heighten the risk of accidents or confrontations at sea
Harden domestic politics in both capitals, making compromise harder