Diplomatic relations between China and Japan have deteriorated significantly following controversial statements by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan. The Chinese diplomatic mission in Tokyo issued a formal protest after Takaichi suggested during a parliamentary session in early November that Japan might consider military intervention should China initiate offensive operations against Taiwan.
In retaliation, China’s Foreign Ministry has implemented travel advisories, urging its citizens to avoid visiting Japan since November 14. The Chinese Embassy in Japan reinforced this warning on Thursday, citing a concerning increase in discriminatory incidents targeting Chinese nationals within Japanese territory. According to a consular report, there has been a notable surge in verbal harassment and physical assaults against Chinese citizens this month.
Simultaneously, Japan announced on Wednesday its decision to deploy advanced missile defense systems across islands in close proximity to Taiwan, a strategic move that has further inflamed tensions. China’s Defense Ministry condemned both Prime Minister Takaichi’s remarks and the military deployment as severe violations of Chinese sovereignty and unacceptable interference in internal affairs. The situation represents one of the most significant diplomatic confrontations between the two Asian powers in recent years.