Asia-Pacific

China-Japan Diplomatic Fallout Continues Over Taiwan Comments

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By Alex Chen/Lery Hiciano

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Following Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae's comments on Japan's "Taiwan Contingency," the war of words between China and Japan has only escalated.

Japan-China Tensions: Diplomatic Fallout from Takaichi’s Taiwan Comments

 

REPORTER:  

A Japanese government spokesperson says China should take “appropriate action” regarding comments made by their consul-general in Osaka.

 

It’s just the latest in a weeklong back and forth. The exchange began after Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae said that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could trigger a military response from Tokyo.   

 

Kihara Minoru (JAPANESE CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY):  

Peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is important for the national security of Japan and the stability of the international community.

 

There are several Chinese officials that have made inappropriate remarks over Prime Minister Takaichi’s statement. We launched a protest and we urged China to act properly. The government is strongly urging China to take appropriate measures.

 

REPORTER:  

China’s representative in Osaka had responded to Takaichi’s remarks on Taiwan by posting online: “The dirty head that sticks itself in must be cut off.” And on Thursday, Beijing summoned Japan’s ambassador to formally complain about Takaichi’s comments and her unwillingness to retract them.

 

The strong response took many by surprise – just two weeks after Takaichi met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the APEC Summit seeking to stabilize ties.

 

William Yang (INTERNATIONAL CRISIS GROUP):  

I think that in Beijing's eyes this essentially crossing the line vis a vis Japan's longstanding One China policy

 

She definitely, I think, knows very well that any future common vis a vis Taiwan will have to be handled and shaped in a more careful manner rather than, you know, being so blunt and direct.  

 

REPORTER:  

Much of China’s criticism of Takaichi has centered on her past statements seen as downplaying Japan’s actions in World War II. On Thursday, China’s foreign ministry accused Japan of failing to “fully repent for its war crimes” just one day after a state-affiliated blog said the prime minister was an “opportunist” looking to exploit conservative forces. While that may be an effective rallying cry, it also could make repairing relations more difficult.

 

William Yang (INTERNATIONAL CRISIS GROUP):  

I think the best possible way to predict is the Japanese government is likely going to, on this in public, try to let this just blow over.

 

I also see a possibility that China is not going to let Takaichi off the hook so easily. So there might still be some residual prolonged period of tension where the Chinese side will continue to use different channels to press Japan and even consider threatening some kind of economic, uh, you know, coercion.

 

REPORTER:  

China is Japan’s largest trading partner and could be vulnerable if the situation continues to deteriorate.

 

With neither side seeming willing to fully back down, the ongoing diplomatic spat threatens to spell trouble for Japan-China relations under the new prime minister, just over a month into her tenure.