Rising Tensions: China Summons Japan's Ambassador Amid Taiwan Dispute

Fri Nov 14 2025 13:31:15 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

China has called in the Japanese ambassador to address escalating tensions resulting from Prime Minister Takaichi's statements regarding Taiwan's defense. This dispute highlights historical animosities and current geopolitical strategies.

In a significant diplomatic escalation, China summoned the Japanese ambassador following comments made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggesting a potential military response to any Chinese aggression towards Taiwan. This incident reflects long-standing tensions rooted in historical grievances and complex geopolitical dynamics, as both nations engage in a war of words over Taiwan's sovereignty.

China has summoned the Japanese ambassador in Beijing over Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's comments on Taiwan.

China and Japan have been locked in an escalating war of words this week, set off by Takaichi's suggestion that Japan could respond with its own self-defence force if China attacked Taiwan.

Both countries' foreign ministries have lodged serious protests with each other. A Chinese diplomat also made a comment which some interpreted as a threat to behead Takaichi.

The spat touches on the historical animosity between China and Japan, as well as longstanding 'strategic ambiguity' on the sovereignty of self-governed Taiwan.

What happened? A timeline

The current tensions were sparked at a parliamentary meeting in Japan last Friday, when an opposition lawmaker asked Takaichi what circumstances surrounding Taiwan would count as a survival-threatening situation for Japan. Takaichi responded that battleships and the use of force could constitute a survival-threatening situation.

A 'survival-threatening situation' is a legal term under Japan's 2015 security law, referring to when an armed attack on its allies poses an existential threat to Japan. In such situations, Japan's self-defence forces can be activated.

Takaichi's remarks drew immediate ire from Beijing, with China's foreign ministry describing them as 'egregious'. On Saturday, Xue Jian, China's consul general in Osaka, made a comment on social media implying that Takaichi's head should be cut off, prompting protests from Japan.

The escalating rhetoric continued with both sides exchanging warnings and protests. China's Vice Foreign Minister warned that Japan must retract the remarks, stating that consequences would follow otherwise.

A long history of animosity

Longstanding animosities between China and Japan stem from historical conflicts and Japan's wartime actions during World War II. These grievances continue to affect current diplomatic relations.

The recent rise of Takaichi, known for her hawkish stance on China and support for Taiwan, suggests that tensions might further increase as she aims to strengthen Japan's defense ties with the US.

Why Takaichi's recent comments caused such a stir

Her recent remarks mark a departure from Japan's historically ambiguous stance regarding Taiwan's status, aligning more closely with the United States' approach. Takaichi's comments could signal a shift in Japan's foreign policy regarding Taiwan, causing concern in Beijing.

In this context, China's response reflects both its sensitivity regarding Taiwan and its broader diplomatic goals in the region.