Japan-China Tensions Rise Over Prime Minister’s Taiwan Comment

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested in a November parliamentary speech that Tokyo might intervene if an attack on Taiwan occurred. The remark prompted Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to tell former Japanese foreign minister Takeshi Iwaya that Japan must resolve the “Taiwan remark issue.” Iwaya said he and Wang confirmed the need to improve relations but Wang rejected a proposal to “de-facto withdraw” the comment, calling an ambiguous stance unacceptable.

Japan Times

Japan and China have been guided since 1972 by the Japan-China Joint Communiqué, which affirms respect for each other’s sovereignty. Relations have deteriorated since the Taiwan comment, with Beijing issuing travel warnings and restricting exports of rare-earth minerals used in Japanese high-tech industries. Earlier this year, Takaichi described China as an “important neighbor” and pledged a “constructive and stable relationship.”

Japan Times

• November 2025 – Takaichi’s speech mentions possible Japanese intervention over Taiwan.

Takaichi calls China ‘important neighbor’

• Late September 2026 – Iwaya visits Beijing (Sept. 27-30) as chairman of Japan’s Association for the Promotion of International Trade; meets Wang Yi and Vice-Premier He Lifeng.

Japan Times

• Early October 2026 – Wang Yi tells Iwaya that Japan must resolve the Taiwan remark issue; rejects a formal withdrawal.

Japan Times

• Same week – Takaichi delivers a policy address, calling China an “important neighbor” and outlining a population-decline strategy.

Taipei Times

• Japan’s population fell below 120 million for the first time in 42 years, according to July government data.

Takaichi calls China ‘important neighbor’

• Chinese restrictions have caused “big drops” in rare-earth supplies to Japanese firms; China says civilian-use exports will continue while military-use shipments are limited.

Japan Times

• Wang Yi said an ambiguous approach to the Taiwan remark was “undesirable” and that the party responsible should resolve the issue.

Japan Times

• Takeshi Iwaya explained that Japan’s policy on Taiwan has not changed and proposed reaffirming the 1972 communiqué, which Wang deemed insufficient. He also urged China to stop labeling Japan’s defense upgrades as “new militarism.”

Japan Times

• He Lifeng indicated a “strong desire” to promote bilateral economic cooperation and said China would restrict rare-earth exports for military purposes but keep civilian supplies available.

Japan Times

• Sanae Takaichi asserted that Japan will “firmly assert our country’s positions” while seeking “responsible behavior” from China, and promised a comprehensive plan to tackle population decline by year-end.

Taipei Times

• “I think there are various factors involved, but it’s probably true that the Chinese side believes it needs to engage in dialogue with someone (on the Japanese side),” — Takeshi Iwaya

Japan Times

• Japan may seek to “reaffirm the intent” of the 1972 Joint Communiqué, though the proposal faces political hurdles.

Japan Times

• The government plans to finalize its population-decline strategy by year-end.

Takaichi calls China ‘important neighbor’

• China’s Vice-Premier signaled ongoing discussions about refining export controls on critical minerals, suggesting future negotiations on civilian-use trade.

Japan Times