China Warns Japan Over Taiwan Remarks, Demands PM Takaichi Withdraw “Egregious” Comments

Nov 2025 : China on Thursday escalated its diplomatic confrontation with Japan, demanding that Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi retract what it described as her “egregious” and provocative comments on Taiwan. Beijing warned that if Japan refused to withdraw the remarks, it would “bear all consequences.”

The dispute erupted after Ms. Takaichi told Japan’s parliament last week that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could create a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan. Such a scenario, she noted, could activate national security laws that allow Tokyo to deploy military assets in support of an ally. Her comments immediately triggered a strong reaction from Beijing, which views discussions about Taiwan’s defense as interference in its internal affairs.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters in Beijing that the remarks constituted “crude interference” and delivered a “heavy blow” to already fragile China–Japan relations. Reasserting 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 the use of force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan’s democratically elected government maintains that only its 23 million citizens can decide the island’s future.

The war of words intensified through the week. A Chinese social media account affiliated with state broadcaster CCTV called Ms. Takaichi a “troublemaker” and warned she would “have to pay the price” if she continued her statements—comments that drew swift criticism in Japan.

In Tokyo, political leaders expressed alarm after China’s Consul General in Osaka, Xue Jian, reposted an article on Ms. Takaichi’s remarks along with a sharply worded message: “The dirty head that sticks itself in must be cut off.” The remark caused a diplomatic uproar. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi called the statement “extremely regrettable” and confirmed that Japan had lodged a strong protest with Beijing.

Speaking during a G7 meeting in Canada, Mr. Motegi said Japan would “continue to strongly urge the Chinese side to take appropriate action so that this does not affect the broader direction of Japan–China relations.” He declined to say whether Japan was considering expelling the consul general.

With neither side backing down, diplomats remain on alert. The episode marks one of the sharpest and most public confrontations between the two Asian powers in recent months, underscoring the deep sensitivities surrounding Taiwan and mounting geopolitical tensions in the region.