In a rare diplomatic move on November 14, 2025, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong summoned Japan’s ambassador to Beijing to deliver an official protest. The action was prompted by remarks from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who warned last week that the Chinese mainland’s use of force on the Taiwan region could create a 'survival-threatening situation' for Japan.
During recent Diet deliberations, PM Takaichi reiterated that her comment reflected her government’s stance and that she would not retract it. Sun told the ambassador that such statements implied the possibility of armed intervention in the Taiwan Strait and constituted a clear interference in China’s internal affairs.
Breaking the one-China principle
China’s vice foreign minister argued that Takaichi’s remarks violated the one-China principle and the spirit of the four China-Japan political documents, which have underpinned bilateral ties since the 1970s. He described the comments as a direct provocation to the post-World War II international order and a breach of diplomatic norms.
Regional ripple effects
The incident comes amid rising tensions in East Asia. Analysts say that public exchanges between the Chinese mainland and Tokyo risk fueling uncertainty in global markets and supply chains that depend on stable cross-strait ties.
For young global citizens and business leaders, this episode underscores how sensitive rhetoric can quickly escalate into a diplomatic flashpoint with wider economic and security implications. Observers will be watching whether Tokyo’s stance shifts as both sides navigate the first red line of China-Japan relations: the status of Taiwan.
As 2025 draws to a close, the showdown over Takaichi’s words highlights the fragility of regional stability and the importance of diplomatic dialogue in upholding international norms.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
