Chinese officials, military leaders, and academics have united in condemning Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent statements regarding Taiwan, calling them a dangerous distortion of historical facts and a threat to regional stability. The controversy stems from Takaichi's November 12 remarks at a Diet session suggesting Japan might intervene militarily if China uses force in the Taiwan Strait – a position Beijing calls "a severe violation of international norms."
The People's Liberation Army Daily warned in a front-page commentary that such rhetoric "exposes Tokyo's imperialist ambitions" and recalled Japan's wartime aggression. Defense Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin emphasized that any foreign interference would meet "the steel-willed resolve of 1.4 billion Chinese people."
Analysts highlight the historical significance of Takaichi being the first post-WWII Japanese leader to officially link Taiwan's security to Japan's collective self-defense rights. Cai Liang of the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies noted this represents "a dangerous regression in Japan's strategic posture."
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has taken concrete measures, issuing travel advisories for Japan and summoning Tokyo's ambassador. Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong told Ambassador Kenji Kanasugi that Japan must "correct its mistakes immediately" to avoid damaging bilateral relations.
Public sentiment mirrors official positions, with social media platforms flooded with messages defending territorial integrity. Former Kuomintang leader Hung Hsiu-chu reminded Japan that "Taiwan ceased being a colony in 1945" in a viral social media post.
As tensions escalate, Beijing maintains that cross-strait affairs are China's internal matters, warning that external forces interfering will "bear full responsibility for consequences."
