Japan Lodges Protest after Chinese Envoy Issues Violent Threat Over Taiwan Remarks
Tokyo condemns Chinese diplomat’s violent threat against PM Takaichi after her remarks on Taiwan’s defence policy.
Japan's Government lodged a formal protest with China over inflammatory remarks by a Chinese Diplomat threatening decapitation in response to Prime Minister Sanae Takaishi's comments on Taiwan's defence. The now-deleted post on X by Xue Jian, China's Consul General in Osaka, warned of cutting off "that dirty neck without a second of hesitation" and asked, "Are you ready for that?" It quoted a news article about Takaishi's parliamentary statement without naming her directly.
Takaishi, Japan's newly elected Prime Minister, had stated on Friday that an armed attack on Taiwan could justify Japanese military involvement under the principle of "collective self-defence". Her remarks align with Tokyo's growing concerns over regional stability amid China's assertive claims on the self-ruled island, which Beijing considers part of its territory.
The threatening post escalated diplomatic tensions, prompting Japan's Foreign Ministry to summon Chinese embassy officials and demand an explanation and prevention of future incidents. Such rhetoric from a senior diplomat is rare and has drawn widespread condemnation for violating diplomatic norms.
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As Sino-Japanese relations remain strained over territorial disputes and security issues, the episode highlights the sensitivity surrounding Taiwan. Tokyo continues to strengthen ties with Taipei informally while navigating pressure from Beijing, underscoring the fragile balance in East Asian geopolitics.
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