Japanese Prime Minister's Taiwan Remarks Prompt Diplomatic Exchanges with China
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent statements regarding a potential Chinese military action against Taiwan have led to a series of diplomatic protests between Japan and China. These exchanges underscore existing historical tensions and differing positions on Taiwan's sovereignty.
Event Timeline
The current diplomatic developments began during a parliamentary meeting in Japan on a Friday. An opposition lawmaker questioned Prime Minister Takaichi about what circumstances concerning Taiwan would constitute a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan. Takaichi responded, "If there are battleships and the use of force, no matter how you think about it, it could constitute a survival-threatening situation."
Under Japan's 2015 security law, a "survival-threatening situation" is a legal term referring to an armed attack on Japan's allies that poses an existential threat to Japan. In such a scenario, Japan's self-defense forces can be activated to respond.
Beijing reacted to Takaichi's comments, with China's foreign ministry describing them as "egregious."
On Saturday, Xue Jian, China's consul general in Osaka, reshared a news article detailing Takaichi's parliamentary remarks on X (formerly Twitter). He included a comment stating, "the dirty head that sticks itself in must be cut off." Japan's chief cabinet secretary, Minoru Kihara, stated on Monday that while the intent of Xue's remarks "may not be clear," they were "highly inappropriate." Subsequently, Tokyo lodged a protest with China regarding Xue's comments, while Beijing lodged its own protest with Japan concerning Takaichi's initial statements. Xue's social media post has since been removed.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Takaichi declined to retract her remarks, asserting that they were "consistent with the government's traditional position." She did indicate, however, that she would exercise caution when commenting on specific scenarios in the future.
Historical Context and Political Stance
Bilateral relations between China and Japan have a history that includes armed conflicts in the 1800s and Japan's military campaign in China during World War Two.
Prime Minister Takaichi, who is associated with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's political faction, holds conservative views. Her policy platform includes pursuing closer ties with the United States and increasing Japan's defense spending. Takaichi has also consistently expressed support for Taiwan. Previously, she has stated that a blockade of Taiwan could pose a threat to Japan and that Japan could mobilize its troops to counter a Chinese invasion.
Taiwan's Status
China asserts sovereignty over Taiwan, considering the self-governed island part of its territory. Beijing has maintained that it does not rule out the use of force to incorporate Taiwan, a position that has been a source of concern for Taipei and its regional allies. Earlier in the month, Beijing accused Takaichi of violating the "one-China principle" after she met a senior Taiwanese official on the sidelines of the APEC summit in South Korea and posted photographs of the encounter.