China–Japan Tensions Rise After Sanae Takaichi’s Taiwan Remarks and Travel Advisory

Tensions between China and Japan have increased after Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made remarks suggesting that Japan might intervene if Taiwan comes under attack. China saw this as a sign that Japan could support Taiwan militarily. This disagreement has led to a diplomatic clash, travel warnings, and airline policy changes.

China–Japan Tensions Rise After Sanae T akaichi’s Taiwan Remarks and Travel Advisory

What Sparked the Dispute?

On 7 November, PM Sanae Takaichi said in Japan’s parliament that an armed attack on Taiwan could be a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan.
If such a situation is declared, Japan can use collective self-defence, meaning its military could support Taiwan or help allies.

China reacted strongly, calling the statement “erroneous remarks” and asked Japan to take it back. Takaichi, however, refused to retract the statement, but said she would avoid specific examples in the future.

Ambassadors Summoned

The dispute escalated when both countries summoned each other’s ambassadors:

Japan criticised a Chinese consul general in Osaka who reportedly posted a threat saying he would “cut off that dirty neck” before deleting it.

China’s Travel Advisory and Airlines’ Action

China’s embassy in Japan issued a travel advisory, warning Chinese tourists of possible safety risks due to tense relations.

Soon after, major Chinese airlines:
✈ Air China
✈ China Southern Airlines
✈ China Eastern Airlines
offered full refunds and free itinerary changes for flights to Japan until the end of the year.

Japan rejected the advisory, saying it did not match the goal of a “mutually beneficial relationship” and stated that its Taiwan policy still follows the 1972 Japan–China Joint Communiqué.

Regional Security and Taiwan

Analysts believe this marks a shift in Japan’s Taiwan policy. Earlier, Japan avoided clear statements, but Takaichi’s position suggests higher chances of Japan supporting Taiwan in a crisis.

China warned that Japan is taking “another wrong step” and any interference in its unification agenda will bring a strong response.

Takaichi has a history of supporting Taiwan, including past visits, which Beijing sees as proof of a tougher Japanese approach.

Exam-Oriented Notes

• Japan PM Sanae Takaichi said a Taiwan attack could be a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan.
• This could allow Japan to use collective self-defence and support Taiwan.
• Both countries summoned each other’s ambassadors over the remarks.
• A Chinese official allegedly threatened to “cut off that dirty neck.”
• China issued a travel advisory and airlines offered refunds/free changes for Japan-bound flights.
• Japan says its policy remains aligned with the 1972 Japan–China Joint Communiqué.

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Question & Answer

Q1. Which statement by Japan PM Sanae Takaichi escalated tensions with China?
(a) Japan will sever all ties with China
(b) A Taiwan attack may be a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan
(c) Japan recognises Taiwan as an independent country
(d) Japan will stop all trade with China
Answer: b

Q2. What right could Japan use if such a situation is declared?
(a) Pre-emptive nuclear strike
(b) Collective self-defence
(c) Maritime expansion rights
(d) UN veto power
Answer: b

Q3. Which countries summoned each other’s ambassadors in this dispute?
(a) China and South Korea
(b) Japan and Taiwan
(c) China and Japan
(d) Japan and USA
Answer: c

Q4. Which airlines offered refunds or free changes on Japan-bound tickets?
(a) Japan Airlines and ANA
(b) Air China, China Southern, China Eastern
(c) Emirates and Qatar Airways
(d) Singapore Airlines and Scoot
Answer: b

Q5. Japan stated that its Taiwan policy remains aligned with which agreement?
(a) Geneva Convention
(b) 1972 Japan–China Joint Communiqué
(c) WTO founding agreement
(d) Indo-Pacific Partnership Treaty
Answer: b

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