Taiwan President Lai Ching-te publicly signaled support for Japan on Thursday by posting photos of himself eating Japanese-sourced sushi amid a deepening diplomatic clash between Tokyo and Beijing.
Two Japanese officials said China has indicated it will halt Japanese seafood imports after Japan’s new prime minister suggested Tokyo could intervene militarily if China attacks Taiwan. Lai described his meal as a symbol of “firm friendship” between Taiwan and Japan.
きょうの昼食はお寿司と味噌汁です🍣👍#鹿児島産のブリと北海道産のホタテ pic.twitter.com/bww7iylzI4
— 賴清德Lai Ching-te (@ChingteLai) November 20, 2025
Taiwan’s foreign minister accused Beijing of bullying through economic coercion and urged citizens to buy more Japanese goods. China responded by reiterating that Taiwan is “an inseparable part” of its territory.
Commenting on a social media post of Taiwan regional leader Lai Ching-te eating sushi to express his support for Japan, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Thursday that Taiwan is China's Taiwan, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. No matter… pic.twitter.com/Qn53zw5Xk2
— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) November 20, 2025
Beijing has previously targeted Taiwan with similar bans as part of its pressure campaign, while Taipei maintains that only its people can decide the island’s future.
China criticizes Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te’s post on social media of him eating sushi, in an apparent show of support for Tokyo after reports that Beijing will halt Japanese seafood imports. China’s foreign ministry branded Lai’s post a “stunt.” pic.twitter.com/hMjEU3lJka
— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) November 20, 2025
Japan and Taiwan retain close unofficial ties dating back decades, and the latest dispute underscores their growing alignment as tensions with China escalate.
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