Overview
- China’s measures against Shigeru Iwasaki include freezing any assets in its jurisdiction, barring all dealings with Chinese entities, and denying entry to the mainland, Hong Kong and Macao.
- Japan called the move regrettable and Taiwan said China has no jurisdiction over lawful appointments or activities conducted in Taiwan.
- Beijing links the action to defense of its one‑China principle, accusing Iwasaki of violating bilateral understandings through engagement with Taiwan authorities.
- The step adds to pressure on Tokyo following Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s November remarks, with China issuing travel warnings, curbing Japanese seafood, canceling cultural events, increasing patrols near disputed islets, and suspending some Japan‑bound flights.
- Iwasaki led Japan’s Joint Staff from 2012 to 2014, was named a Taiwan Cabinet adviser in March, and joined a June tabletop exercise in Taipei; analysts say the sanctions are largely symbolic and follow similar measures on lawmaker Hei Seki in September.