Overview
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told parliament that a Chinese attack or blockade of Taiwan could constitute a survival-threatening situation for Japan, enabling Self-Defense Forces action under the 2015 law.
- China’s consul general in Osaka, Xue Jian, posted a violent message on X directed at Takaichi that was later deleted, escalating the dispute into a formal diplomatic issue.
- Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said the consul’s comment was extremely inappropriate as Tokyo lodged a strong protest, demanded the post’s removal, and sought an explanation from Beijing.
- China’s foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian condemned Takaichi’s stance as erroneous interference in China’s internal affairs and characterized the consul’s post as a personal response.
- U.S. Ambassador George Glass reposted the deleted message and called it a threat, while analysts cautioned the episode could strain dialogue and accelerate Japan’s defense planning.