Japan and China failed to arrange a leaders' meeting at the G20 summit in South Africa, leaving their dispute over Taiwan remarks unresolved. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated she would respond appropriately to China. The impasse suggests the confrontation may persist for years.
The G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, from November 22 saw no meeting between Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and China's Premier Li Qiang. Japan had hoped for direct dialogue and planned to send a director from the Foreign Ministry's China and Mongolia Division, but China's repeated statements of 'no plans for a meeting' led Japan to hold back, fearing it could be used in propaganda.
On the summit's first day, during the photo session, the leaders stood just meters apart but departed without greetings. After G20 events, Takaichi told reporters, 'We must say what we need to say,' adding, 'We will keep responding appropriately.'
The dispute arose from Takaichi's Diet remark linking a Taiwan contingency to a 'survival-threatening situation,' which China sees as infringing on its sovereignty. Beijing has limited responses to urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Japan, avoiding harsher steps like rare earth export curbs. A Japanese government official noted, 'China is carefully avoiding steps that would disrupt international supply chains.'
Japan is addressing economic dependence on China as a 'risk,' per Economic Security Minister Kimi Onoda, by restructuring supply chains. However, a prolonged conflict could harm sectors like tourism and pressure Takaichi's administration, which holds 70% approval but a Diet minority. A former cabinet minister said a drop in ratings would 'put the brakes on the administration.' A senior ruling party official remarked, 'Overly conscious of her conservative stance, the prime minister has been unable to make political judgments flexibly.'
With figures like former LDP Secretary General Toshihiro Nikai retired and Komeito distanced, liaison channels are weak. A Foreign Ministry official warned, 'In the worst case, the confrontation could last for years,' as Japan prepares for a long standoff.