On November 17, 2025, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takayuki’s remarks on “Taiwan’s situation” have stirred up the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), leading to an escalation in tensions between Japan and China. In response, the CCP issued travel and study warnings for China-Japan relations to which the Japanese government replied that CCP’s travel warning does not align with the agreements between the two countries.
On November 7, the newly appointed Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takayuki stated in parliament that any Chinese Communist military actions towards Taiwan could be seen as a “threat to Japan’s survival,” hinting at the possibility of Tokyo taking military actions if a conflict erupts in the Taiwan Strait. Takayuki’s remarks triggered a strong reaction from Beijing, causing intensified responses from the CCP.
The Japanese government intends to continue urging Beijing to engage in dialogue for the stability of Sino-Japanese relations while rejecting Beijing’s demands for Prime Minister Takayuki to retract the statement of “threat to survival.”
According to Reuters, in response to the CCP’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs advising Chinese citizens to avoid traveling to Japan, Cabinet Secretariat Chief Minoru Kihara emphasized on November 17 that “the statement issued by China (CCP) restricting people-to-people exchanges, including study and tourism, does not align with the strategic mutually beneficial relationship and the constructively stable relationship confirmed by the leaders of the two countries. We have clearly requested China to take appropriate measures.”
“We will continue to closely monitor the situation and respond accordingly,” he said. Kihara added, “Precisely because of our differing positions, multi-level communication becomes even more crucial.”
The Asia News Network reported that Yukio Edano, leader of the Constitutional Democratic Party, stated, “The CCP’s response is overly aggressive.” Meanwhile, Yuichiro Tamaki, leader of the National Democratic Party, emphasized, “Maintaining communication between both sides is crucial to prevent escalation.”
Within Japan, Takayuki has gained support from conservative voters. A survey conducted by Kyodo News on November 16 revealed that 48.8% of Japanese respondents “approve” or “tend to approve” of Takayuki’s stance on “Taiwan’s situation,” while 44.2% opposed it.
Following Takayuki’s remarks on “Taiwan’s situation,” Chinese Consul General in Osaka Xue Jian posted a shocking message on social media: “For that dirty intruder, you should not hesitate to cut it off. Are you ready?”
There have been calls within the Japanese government to designate Xue as persona non grata. A host country government can refuse to receive a diplomatic official designated as persona non grata.
The Japanese government plans to seek a breakthrough acceptable to both Japan and China without making easy concessions.
NHK reported that Masaaki Kanai, Director of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, departed for Beijing on the morning of November 17 to prepare for negotiations with the Chinese side. Kihara responded, “There are various levels of communication between Japan and China on a regular basis, and it is not convenient to disclose details of each itinerary.”
During his visit to China, Kanai is expected to meet with officials including Liu Jingsong, Director of the Asian Department of the CCP’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to explain that Prime Minister Takayuki’s defense has not changed Japan’s consistent position and to convey the stance of avoiding interference with personnel exchanges despite differing views between the two sides.
In response to the post by the Chinese Consul General, the Japanese government will once again strongly protest and consider the voices within Japan calling for the expulsion of the Consul General, expecting to once again request the Chinese side to take appropriate measures.