Japan: China Pushes ‘Ryuku Independence’ as It Claims Okinawa
China has intensified its rhetorical campaign against Japan, accusing PM Takaichi Sanae of reviving the wartime militancy of Imperial Japan. Among other narratives, China is now challenging Japan’s sovereignty over the islands of Okinawa, formerly known as Ryukyu. Beijing has simultaneously pushed for Okinawan independence, while promoting a farfetched claim that the islands are historically part of China. Meanwhile, a survey found that trust in Japan was higher than trust in China in all Southeast Asian nations. Why is Beijing focused now on this island chain northeast of Taiwan? Are these claims falling flat? And what did Takaichi actually say about Taiwan that set off China’s latest burst of aggression? In this episode, we discuss Beijing’s propaganda, the history of Okinawa, Takaichi’s remarks, and what it means for the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region. *Recorded on December 19, 2025 at 2pm Taiwan Standard Time Host/Senior Producer: Yin Khvat Guests: Lai I-chung - Prospect Foundation President Peter Mattis - The Jamestown Foundation President
