Heads up, friends: tensions are rising between the Chinese mainland and Japan after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stirred the pot with her latest Taiwan remarks. Experts say China is ready to roll out countermeasures at any moment 🔥
At a recent Diet meeting, Takaichi warned that the Chinese mainland's "use of force on Taiwan" could spark a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan. She stood her ground, even as Beijing lodged formal protests.
In the early hours of Friday, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, "following instructions from superiors," summoned Japanese Ambassador Kenji Kanasugi. This rare phrase hints that Beijing's top leaders are backing the move directly, says Xiang Haoyu of the China Institute of International Studies.
Over the past few days, the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office and the Ministry of National Defense also chimed in, labeling Takaichi's comments a serious breach of national dignity and international norms.
One line sticks out: "all the consequences shall be borne by Japan." What does that mean? Think of it as a warning that Beijing could freeze intergovernmental ties—trade, diplomacy and even military exchanges—to protect its core interests.
Sun Weidong and other officials even used the phrase "crushing defeat," a first in China-Japan diplomacy, mixing diplomatic pressure with clear military overtones.
Adding historical weight, 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the victory over Japanese aggression in World War II. As a defeated nation, Japan's constitution of peace and the UN Charter forbid it from waging war—ironclad rules Beijing says must not be broken.
Bottom line: the Taiwan question is no small clash of words. Young leaders on both sides are staking national pride and strategic interests. Stay tuned for the next chapter in this high-stakes game of regional power play ⚖️
Reference(s):
Experts: China ready for countermeasures after Takaichi's provocation
cgtn.com
