The Japanese government is monitoring China's propaganda battle following Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks on a Taiwan contingency. At a meeting of foreign ministry officials in Beijing on Tuesday, China reiterated its strong condemnation, and images of a Japanese diplomat appearing to bow to his Chinese counterpart went viral on Chinese social media. Tokyo lodged a complaint with Beijing over uncoordinated press arrangements.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made the remarks on November 7 during a Diet session, responding to a question from an opposition lawmaker. She stated that a sea blockade around Taiwan by China 'would constitute a survival-threatening situation' for Japan. China views this as a suggestion of Japanese military intervention in the Taiwan issue and has reacted strongly. Takaichi has refused to retract the comment but said she would 'reflect' on delving too deeply into a specific assumption.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara, referencing the 1972 Japan-China joint communiqué, stated at a press conference that Japan's stance on Taiwan 'has not changed.' He reiterated support for a peaceful solution between Beijing and Taipei. However, China aired a CCTV video clip after the Tuesday meeting in Beijing, showing Liu Jinsong, director general of China's Foreign Ministry's Department of Asian Affairs, speaking to Masaaki Kanai, director general of Japan's Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, with hands in his pockets and a grim expression. The footage appeared aimed at portraying China summoning and protesting to the Japanese official.
The Japanese government emphasized that the meeting was a regularly scheduled one, not for an apology. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong warned that if Takaichi does not retract, 'The Japanese side should take all the responsibility.' A senior Japanese Foreign Ministry official described China's attitude as the fiercest since the 2012 nationalization of the Senkaku Islands.
On Chinese social media, images of Kanai appearing to bow to Liu went viral, with users calling them 'the best shots' of the year and likening Liu to 'a teacher scolding a student.' Kihara said the Japanese side had not been informed about the press coverage and lodged a complaint. At the UN General Assembly's debate on Security Council reform on Tuesday, Chinese envoy Fu Cong lambasted Takaichi's remarks and claimed Japan is 'totally unqualified' for a permanent seat. A Japanese representative countered that the comments were groundless, highlighting Tokyo's contributions to global peace.
The escalating spat is affecting personnel exchanges, tourism, education, and entertainment between the two neighbors.