Beijing has rejected Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s attempt to soften her earlier comments linking a Chinese attack on Taiwan to a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan.
Takaichi told lawmakers this week that Tokyo’s position on Taiwan remains rooted in the 1972 Japan-China Joint Communique, but she did not withdraw her November 7 remarks, which Beijing views as a breach of past commitments.
Fact check: Some media mistakenly reported that Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi said at the parliament Japan “understands and respects” the Chinese government’s position—“Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the People’s Republic of China.” The truth is, she merely said… pic.twitter.com/9USsu4bwyV
— CHINA MFA Spokesperson 中国外交部发言人 (@MFA_China) December 4, 2025
China’s foreign ministry said Japan is “still prevaricating” and insisted that Takaichi “accurately and fully” restate Japan’s obligations under the 1972 agreement, which acknowledges Beijing’s claim that Taiwan is part of China.
Analysts in Beijing say her latest comments fall short of an off-ramp, even if the tone is softer than her earlier warning.
The dispute has triggered Chinese retaliation, including suspending Japanese seafood imports and freezing cultural exchanges. Beijing is signaling that the diplomatic rift will continue until Takaichi issues a full retraction.
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TIPP Staff
TIPP Staff
