Beijing is intensifying pressure on Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to retract her statements about Taiwan, with Chinese state media declaring that China has prepared substantial countermeasures against Japan. The government-affiliated media outlet threatened to impose sanctions on Japanese officials and suspend bilateral exchanges across economic, diplomatic, and military channels if necessary.
The escalating tensions stem from Takaichi’s November 7 remarks stating that “a Taiwan contingency is a Japan contingency” and suggesting Japan might exercise collective self-defense rights. Despite immediate Chinese protests, Takaichi refused to withdraw her comments on November 10, claiming they aligned with Japan’s established policy position. This prompted China to elevate its diplomatic response, with the Foreign Ministry’s vice minister summoning Japan’s ambassador on November 13 under special instructions from higher authorities—the first time such language has been used in Sino-Japanese relations.
Chinese state media characterized Takaichi’s statements as the most serious provocation since Japan’s 1945 defeat, warning that China’s patience has limits. The outlet emphasized that China has provided Japan with sufficient opportunities to correct course, demanding Tokyo deeply reflect on its historical responsibilities and immediately retract the offensive remarks. If Japan persists, China warned it would no longer show restraint.
The threatened countermeasures include sanctions against Japanese politicians, drawing from China’s existing list of penalties where approximately eighty percent involve Taiwan-related issues. China also noted its position as Japan’s largest trading partner, suggesting economic leverage, as Japanese imports are highly dependent on Chinese goods. Additionally, Chinese authorities issued travel warnings advising citizens to avoid Japan, signaling official recognition of substantial threats to bilateral relations. The state media concluded with militaristic rhetoric, invoking China’s aircraft carriers and missile capabilities as implicit warnings about the consequences of Japanese intervention in Taiwan matters.
Source: Central News Agency (Taiwan), November 15, 2025
https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202511150189.aspx