Here’s the scoop: earlier this Monday (Dec 22, 2025), China lodged a formal complaint with Japan after a group of Japanese legislators visited China’s Taiwan region 🌏. Beijing says this move flies in the face of the four political documents that shape China–Japan relations, plus Japan’s own pledges and the one-China principle ⚖️.
Spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters that Tokyo 'must deeply reflect and correct its mistakes' and warned against meddling in China’s internal affairs. Bottom line: China views the visit as a serious breach of trust.
Why this matters for us in South and Southeast Asia? 👉 Regional stability in East Asia affects supply chains, tech collaborations, and even holiday trips (hello, Japan ✈️!). Many ASEAN members juggle close trade ties with both Beijing and Tokyo, so any diplomatic friction sends ripples across the neighbourhood.
Here are the key takeaways:
- China protests the visit as a violation of existing agreements.
- Japan’s actions are seen as ignoring its past commitments.
- ASEAN watchers are on alert—this could reshape bilateral ties.
What’s next? We’ll be tracking whether Tokyo offers a formal response or steps back, and how ASEAN members react—especially with big summits on the horizon. Stay tuned for updates on this diplomatic standoff! 🔥
Reference(s):
China lodges complaint about Japan's legislator's visit to Taiwan
cgtn.com
