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Tensions Flare as Chinese Diplomat Threatens Japanese PM Over Taiwan Remarks
A recent exchange between a Chinese consul general in Japan and Japan’s new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, has ignited a diplomatic firestorm, highlighting the escalating tensions between the two regional powers. The controversy began after the Chinese diplomat reportedly threatened to “decapitate” Takaichi following her comments in defense of Taiwan.
Prime Minister Takaichi, who assumed office last month, addressed a parliamentary committee on Friday, stating that a Chinese blockade of Taiwan would likely create a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan. She suggested this scenario could compel Tokyo to deploy its Self-Defense Forces in response, given Taiwan’s close proximity-just 60 miles-to Japanese territory.
In a now-deleted post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Xue Jian, the Chinese Consul General in Osaka, reportedly retorted, “That filthy neck that barged in on its own – I’ve got no choice but to cut it off without a moment’s hesitation. Are you prepared for that?”
The Japanese government swiftly condemned Xue’s statement. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara described the remarks as “extremely inappropriate” and confirmed that Tokyo had lodged a formal protest with Beijing. Kihara also noted that Xue had made “multiple” inflammatory remarks in the past and urged China to take disciplinary action against the diplomat.
However, China appears to have defended its diplomat. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated on Monday that Xue’s comments were in response to Takaichi’s “wrongful and dangerous” remarks, which he claimed misrepresented China’s stance on Taiwan. Lin further accused Japan of “refusing to face up to its historical responsibilities” and cautioned Tokyo against interfering in “internal Chinese affairs.”
Prime Minister Takaichi later clarified her comments to reporters, stating they were “hypothetical” and that she would refrain from making similar remarks in the future.
This incident threatens to further strain already delicate relations between Asia’s two largest economies. Takaichi, known for her nationalist views and hawkish stance on China, has been working to deepen defense cooperation with the United States.
She has also pledged to increase Japan’s defense spending and play a more assertive role in maintaining stability across the Taiwan Strait-a region Beijing considers its own. U.S. defense officials have long emphasized that Japan’s participation would be crucial in any potential conflict over Taiwan.