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 about circumstances that would threaten Japan's survival regarding Taiwan.
If there are battleships and the use of force, no matter how you think about it, it could constitute a survival-threatening situation, Takaichi responded.
A survival-threatening situation is a legal term under Japan's 2015 security law that enables Japan's self-defence forces to respond to threats against its allies.
Takaichi's remarks drew immediate ire from Beijing, which described them as egregious.
On Saturday, China's consul general in Osaka reshared a news article about Takaichi's comments, adding his own remarks that were interpreted as a threat. Xue's comments were described as highly inappropriate by Japan's chief cabinet secretary.
Following diplomatic protests from both sides, Takaichi stood firm on her statements, emphasizing that they align with Japan's traditional policy. Meanwhile, China issued stern warnings, threatening consequences if Japan intervened in Taiwan's affairs.
A long history of animosity
The animosity between China and Japan dates back to armed conflicts in the 1800s and Japan's military actions during World War II. This historical context exacerbates current tensions, as China's foreign ministry reiterated that Japan would face severe consequences if it intervened militarily in Taiwan.
As Japon's defence strategy evolves under Takaichi's leadership, who is known for her hawkish stance on China, concerns grow regarding Beijing's reactions, especially with increasing Japan-U.S. military collaboration.
Why Takaichi's recent comments caused such a stir
Takaichi's statements mark a shift from Japan's historically ambiguous stance on Taiwan's status, aligning her government's rhetoric more closely with U.S. policy. This strategic shift has drawn rebuke from Beijing, emphasizing China's intolerance for perceived foreign interference concerning Taiwan.
The recent diplomatic clash not only highlights the intricate dynamics between China and Japan but also worsens the fears of escalation surrounding Taiwan amidst rising militaristic postures.
