This Thursday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry delivered a sharp rebuke, accusing Tokyo of trying to downplay Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent remarks about the island of Taiwan and calling such efforts "self-deceptive" and unacceptable.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Takaichi’s comments violated the spirit of the four political documents that underpin China-Japan relations and have sparked strong public indignation on the Chinese mainland. "Avoiding discussion of future scenarios is not a formal retraction," Guo said at a Beijing press conference.
Guo also slammed Tokyo’s response as "merely plugging one’s ears while stealing a bell," warning that China will never accept half-measures. "A full and unequivocal retraction is the only way to restore trust," he added.
This diplomatic row highlights the sensitivity of cross-strait politics and the fragility of regional ties. Analysts say such exchanges could weigh on broader cooperation in trade and technology between the two G20 economies.
For young global citizens and business and tech enthusiasts, this episode is a reminder of how political rhetoric can ripple through international relations, affecting everything from supply chains to cultural exchanges.
As tensions simmer, all eyes will be on Tokyo’s next steps — whether Japan’s leadership will issue a formal apology or seek behind-the-scenes talks to defuse the standoff.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
