China sent a letter to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, condemning the remarks made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

In the letter, Fu Cong, China's UN Ambassador, issued a strong warning against Tokyo’s threat of “armed intervention” in Taiwan, condemning Takaichi's remarks as “a grave violation of international law” and diplomatic norms. 

Fu said that any Japanese attempt at military involvement in the Taiwan Strait would constitute “an act of aggression,” prompting China to exercise its right of self-defense under the UN Charter.

The Chinese diplomat demanded Japan “stop making provocations and crossing the line, and retract its erroneous remarks,” underlining that Takaichi’s comments challenged China’s core interests.

Diplomatic tensions with China escalate

Earlier, Beijing summoned Japan’s ambassador and issued a travel advisory for its citizens. Chinese tourists, the largest foreign demographic in Japan, represent a crucial pillar of the country’s services sector, and Beijing's warning has already delivered a strong blow to tourism in Japan. Media reports this week suggested China may also suspend imports of Japanese seafood, though neither side has officially confirmed the move.

Related News

Rising China–Japan tensions spill into culture, tourism

Japan’s Takaichi defends $135 bln stimulus as ‘responsible’

The dispute stems from remarks by the Japanese prime minister suggesting that Tokyo could deem a Chinese military operation against Taiwan as a threat to Japan’s survival, language that carries legal implications allowing the deployment of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces. Beijing swiftly condemned the comments as a direct challenge to the One China principle and an infringement on China’s sovereignty.

Japan, like the overwhelming majority of countries, formally recognizes the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the sole legitimate authority representing China. Under this internationally recognized policy framework, Taiwan is considered an inalienable part of Chinese territory. Nevertheless, in recent years, the United States, several European governments, and Japan have taken political and military steps that Beijing views as undermining the One China principle, including increased engagement with Taiwanese officials and heightened military cooperation in the region.

Taiwan remains the seat of the Republic of China (ROC) authorities, who escaped to the island in 1949 after their ousting by the Communist Party of China

Read more: Japan’s Takaichi defends $135 bln stimulus as ‘responsible’

US backs Japan in spat with China

Takaichi on Friday attempted to defuse the situation, reaffirming that Japan’s long-standing position on Taiwan remained “unchanged” and calling for “constructive and stable” ties with China. However, she refused to withdraw her comments. 

Washington, meanwhile, emphasized its backing of Japan, after its improving ties with Beijing drew fears from Taipei and Tokyo.

The US State Department said its commitment to the US-Japan Alliance, including its defense for the contested, Japan-administered Senkaku Islands, which lie in close proximity to Taiwan, was “unwavering.” The uninhabited islands, known in China as the Diaoyu, remain a perennial flashpoint, with China deploying coast guard vessels near the territory in recent days.

It is also important to note that Taiwan, along with large parts of Chinese territory, was occupied by Imperial Japan for decades before and during World War II, a period marked by severe atrocities and repression. Against this historical backdrop, Takaichi’s aggressive comments revived sensitivities in China, where memories of Japan’s militarist past remain deeply ingrained and continue to shape public sentiment. Her comments marked a departure from Japan’s post-war pacifist commitments and a troubling signal of a more confrontational posture.

Read more: Taiwan’s new opposition leader against defense budget hike, arms race