**Japan’s New Prime Minister Stirs Tensions with China Over Taiwan**
*BEIJING* — Less than a month into her term, Japan’s conservative leader has heightened tensions with China by suggesting that a Chinese move against Taiwan could prompt a Japanese military response.
China objects strongly to the involvement of other countries in Taiwan, notably the United States, which is the main supplier of weapons to the self-governing island. Beijing claims Taiwan as its own territory, insisting it must come under its control. Chinese officials have repeatedly referred to the issue as a “red line” that others should not cross.
### Takaichi’s Stronger Stance
Speaking to a parliamentary committee on November 7, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said that a Chinese naval blockade or other aggressive actions against Taiwan could be grounds for a Japanese military response. Her comments marked a departure from past Japanese statements.
While previous prime ministers expressed concern over China’s threat to Taiwan, none had publicly specified how Japan might respond in such scenarios. Takaichi later declined to retract her remarks but told the same parliamentary committee three days later that she would avoid discussing specific scenarios going forward.
A longtime supporter of Taiwan, Takaichi views China as a growing threat and has ordered an acceleration of plans to boost Japan’s military spending. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi stated on Friday that Japan’s official position on Taiwan has not changed.
### China’s Stern Warnings
Takaichi’s comments sparked an uproar in China. The foreign and defense ministries, the Taiwan Affairs Office, and state media all weighed in with sharp warnings. Wang Huiyao, president of the Beijing-based Center for China and Globalization think tank, described the remarks as surprising given the current relatively low tensions over Taiwan.
“We can’t just let the prime minister speak so openly at parliament,” Wang said.
One of the first officials to respond was China’s consul general in Osaka, who posted a now-deleted social media message warning that China has no choice but to cut off an intruding “dirty neck.” Foreign Minister Motegi called this post “extremely inappropriate.”
China’s Foreign Ministry summoned Japan’s ambassador on Thursday to warn against any interference in Taiwan. The following day, Japan’s Foreign Ministry summoned China’s ambassador in Tokyo to protest the consul general’s social media post.
### Beijing Raises the Stakes
On Friday night, China escalated tensions further by issuing a travel advisory against visiting Japan. Chinese tourists accounted for about 7.5 million visits during the first nine months of this year—the largest number from any country and roughly one-fourth of Japan’s total tourists.
China’s Education Ministry also issued a warning to Chinese students regarding recent crimes against Chinese nationals in Japan, although it stopped short of advising students not to travel.
Additionally, on Sunday, China’s coast guard announced patrols around a group of uninhabited islands claimed by both countries.
A greater concern for Japan would be if China restricted exports of rare earth magnets, crucial components in auto manufacturing and other industries. There were no immediate indications China was considering such a move.
Japanese officials are working to ease tensions. Motegi said he planned to request that China provide “an appropriate response” to prevent significant damage to bilateral relations.
### The U.S.-Japan Alliance and Japan’s Military Limitations
Japan’s position is complicated by its post-World War II constitution, which bans the use of force except for self-defense. Japan’s military is officially called the Self-Defense Force.
Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe broadened the military’s mandate in 2015 by winning parliamentary approval of a law allowing Japan to aid an ally—most likely the United States—in a conflict deemed an existential threat to Japan.
Takaichi, who rose politically as a protégé of Abe, suggested that a Chinese move against Taiwan could constitute such a threat, triggering a strong reaction.
Analysts also say that a conflict involving North Korea that draws in the United States could similarly qualify.
Previously, Japan has not specified what exactly constitutes an existential threat under what is called the principle of collective self-defense.
### No Retraction Amid Rising Tensions
Japan’s government is reluctant to withdraw Takaichi’s remarks, as doing so could limit its options in a potential Taiwan crisis. Backpedaling might also damage the new prime minister’s high public approval ratings and her reputation as a hawk on China.
As tensions continue to simmer, all eyes remain on Tokyo and Beijing, as well as the broader geopolitics surrounding Taiwan and regional security in East Asia.
https://www.npr.org/2025/11/17/g-s1-98081/spat-over-taiwan-china-japan
