Tokyo: Japan has lodged a formal diplomatic protest with China after the Chinese Consul General in Osaka, Xue Jian, made what Tokyo described as “extremely inappropriate” remarks targeting Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The comments, which were posted on social media and later deleted, have sparked new tensions between the two Asian powers already divided by security concerns surrounding Taiwan and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
The uproar began when Xue Jian responded online to Prime Minister Takaichi’s recent statement in parliament about Japan’s security readiness in the event of a Chinese attack on Taiwan. The Prime Minister had warned that any Chinese invasion of Taiwan could “constitute a situation threatening Japan’s survival,” thereby invoking Japan’s right to collective self-defense under its national security laws.
In response, Xue posted a sharp and confrontational comment, reportedly saying, “We have no choice but to cut off that dirty neck that has lunged at us without a moment’s hesitation. Are you ready?” The post, written in Japanese and shared alongside a media article, was quickly deleted but had already circulated widely on social media, prompting a furious response from Japanese officials and the public alike.
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara announced on Monday that Tokyo had summoned Chinese officials to express its “deep regret” and to formally lodge a protest. “The comment was extremely inappropriate for a diplomatic representative,” Kihara said, emphasizing that such remarks “could damage the mutual respect expected between nations.”
He added that Japan has previously issued similar warnings about the Consul General’s behavior, noting that Xue had made “multiple inappropriate statements” in the past. The Japanese government, Kihara stated, expects Beijing to take appropriate measures to ensure its diplomats adhere to international norms of conduct.
Beijing, however, has defended Xue’s post, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian describing the Consul General’s remarks as a “justified response” to what China called “wrongful and provocative statements” from the Japanese Prime Minister. Lin accused Japan of distorting the Taiwan issue and urged Tokyo to “take a hard look at its historical responsibilities.”
China maintains that Taiwan is an inseparable part of its territory and routinely condemns any statement suggesting foreign intervention in what it considers a domestic matter. The Foreign Ministry stopped short of offering any apology or indication of disciplinary action against Xue.
The latest diplomatic spat comes amid growing tensions in the Taiwan Strait and heightened regional security concerns. Japan, a close ally of the United States, has been increasingly vocal about the strategic importance of peace and stability around Taiwan, viewing any potential conflict as a direct threat to its national security.
Prime Minister Takaichi’s remarks align with Japan’s evolving defense strategy, which includes strengthening military capabilities and deepening cooperation with Western partners under the Indo-Pacific framework. China, meanwhile, has viewed these moves as part of a containment strategy led by Washington and supported by Tokyo.
Analysts suggest that the tone of Xue’s remark reflects a growing assertiveness in Chinese diplomacy, often referred to as “wolf warrior diplomacy,” characterized by fiery rhetoric and public confrontations. However, Japan’s swift protest underscores Tokyo’s unwillingness to tolerate personal or inflammatory attacks against its leaders.
This is not the first time a Chinese envoy’s words have caused controversy in Japan. Diplomatic friction has flared in recent years over historical disputes, maritime incursions in the East China Sea, and Japan’s stance on Taiwan.
While both governments may seek to contain the fallout, the episode highlights the fragility of Japan–China relations at a time when communication and restraint are crucial. The tension adds to a growing list of irritants, from competing territorial claims to ideological and strategic differences.
Tokyo’s move to publicly denounce the remark signals its growing determination to push back against what it perceives as aggressive Chinese behavior. For Beijing, the challenge lies in balancing its hardline stance on Taiwan with maintaining stable diplomatic relations with its key regional neighbor and major trading partner.
The diplomatic protest may not lead to an immediate rupture in ties, but it adds another layer of strain to a relationship already burdened by mistrust. As regional security dynamics evolve, especially with the United States deepening its military presence in Asia, the Japan–China rivalry is expected to remain a defining feature of East Asian geopolitics.
For now, Tokyo’s message is clear: verbal aggression from foreign envoys will not be tolerated, and Japan’s national dignity and its security stance on Taiwan remain non-negotiable.