Overview
- Japan’s UN ambassador Kazuyuki Yamazaki filed a new letter rejecting China’s Dec. 1 submission as factually inconsistent and unacceptable, reaffirming Japan’s adherence to international law and the UN Charter.
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told parliament on Dec. 3 that Japan’s stance remains as set out in the 1972 Japan‑China communique, prompting Beijing to publicly demand she fully articulate those commitments.
- China’s UN envoy Fu Cong has circulated a second letter accusing Japan of challenging World War II outcomes and the post‑war order, intensifying an unusual UN back‑and‑forth between the two countries.
- Beijing’s pressure campaign has included advising Chinese citizens to avoid travel to Japan, widespread cancellations by Chinese airlines, and curbs on Japanese cultural events, even as Tokyo continues to rebut Chinese claims.
- Regional ripples continue, with Taiwan’s premier saying Taipei was “very moved” by Takaichi’s comments and Japan advancing plans to deploy a medium‑range surface‑to‑air missile unit on Yonaguni near Taiwan.