In early December 2025, Beijing and Tokyo clashed over comments by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi linking the Taiwan region to Japan's national security. Calling a "Taiwan contingency" a "survival-threatening situation" marked the first time since World War II that a sitting Japanese PM framed the issue in existential terms.
China's strong response reflects the Taiwan question being at the core of its core interests and a red line that must not be crossed. Officials lodged formal protests, warning that diplomatic relations risked serious damage if Tokyo failed to retract the rhetoric.
Analysts say Takaichi's remarks violate the post-war legal framework. Historical documents such as the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation and Japan's own Instrument of Surrender all confirm that Taiwan belongs to China and underpinned Japan's decision to normalize ties with the People's Republic of China.
Observers warn that this stance dismisses Tokyo's own diplomatic commitments and risks turning a political dispute into a security flashpoint, heightening tensions across the Taiwan Strait and challenging regional stability.
As both sides weigh their next steps, the dispute highlights the delicate balance between historical sensitivities and contemporary security concerns. In an interconnected region, strong rhetoric may only deepen mistrust and complicate dialogue.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
