Overview
- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said a Chinese use of force or wartime blockade around Taiwan could constitute a “survival‑threatening situation” for Japan, a legal threshold that could allow Self‑Defense Forces deployment.
- After backlash, Takaichi defended her comments as hypothetical and consistent with prior policy while saying she will be more cautious about citing specific scenarios.
- China’s consul‑general in Osaka, Xue Jian, posted a now‑deleted threat on X directed at Takaichi; Tokyo lodged a formal protest and called the remarks extremely inappropriate, while Beijing described the post as personal and protested Takaichi’s stance.
- Reuters reported fresh vitriol in Chinese state media, including CCTV editorials attacking Takaichi, as senior Japanese politicians pressed the government to consider expelling Xue if Beijing does not address the issue.
- Japan reaffirmed the 1972 one‑China framework and urged reduced friction, as Taiwan’s presidential office condemned the envoy’s threat and the U.S. ambassador to Japan criticized the diplomat’s rhetoric.