China Summons Japan’s Ambassador as Tensions Escalate Over Taiwan Remarks

China has summoned Japan's ambassador in Beijing after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made comments that suggested Japan could use its self-defense forces if China were to attack Taiwan. The exchange has fueled a growing diplomatic confrontation between the two East Asian powers, reviving historical grievances and intensifying debate over regional security.

How the Tensions Started

The most recent controversy began during a session in Japanese parliament when Takaichi was asked what circumstances related to Taiwan could pose a survival-threatening situation to Japan. She told parliament that a situation involving military force or warships may satisfy the requirement for a "survival-threatening situation" under Japan's 2015 security reforms. That status would allow Japan to mobilize its self-defense forces if national security is threatened for the protection of its allies.

Beijing immediately condemned her remarks, calling them “egregious” and accused Japan of interfering in China’s internal affairs.

The situation worsened when Xue Jian, China's consul general in Osaka, republished online an article about Takaichi's comments and inserted a statement that many took as a threat. His message - that those who "stick their heads in" risk being "cut off" - incited vigorous protests from Tokyo.

Japan has formally protested the comment, while China has filed its own protest against Takaichi's remarks.

Diplomatic Back-and-Forth Intensifies

Even in the face of criticism, Takaichi never took back her words, maintaining they were consistent with decades-old Japanese policy. She said she, from then on, would avoid discussing the hypothetical situation.

China continued to push back, its foreign ministry issuing warnings in both Japanese and English that accused Japan of "playing with fire." Officials made it clear that any intervention from Japan in a conflict over Taiwan would be recognized as an act of aggression.

On Thursday, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong summoned the Japanese ambassador to officially demand the retraction of Takaichi's statements. He also warned that Japan "will have to bear all consequences" if it continued on what China considered a perilous path.

The Japanese ambassador, on his part, stated that Japan was still pursuing a peaceful, dialogue-based approach to the Taiwan issue and called on China to take appropriate action regarding Xue Jian's controversial comment.

Historical Shadows and Rising Strategic Tensions

The confrontation evokes deep historical wounds. China often refers to Japan's military aggression during the 19th and 20th centuries, and diplomatic relations between the two countries have for a long period of time been influenced by their common history.

The latest Chinese statement warned that Japan must "learn lessons from history," adding that any military involvement in the Taiwan Strait would bring "serious consequences." Such language reflects Beijing's sensitivity to renewed Japanese military assertiveness, especially under leaders aligned with former prime minister Shinzo Abe's security vision.

Takaichi, known for her hawkish stance on China and support for Taiwan, has long argued that a conflict or blockade involving Taiwan could directly threaten Japan’s security.

Why the Recent Comments Hit a Nerve

Japan has traditionally followed a policy of "strategic ambiguity" toward Taiwan, akin to the United States. This policy does not clearly articulate what Japan would do in response to a Chinese invasion, which permits Tokyo to balance deterrence with economic diplomacy.

Takaichi's remarks broke with cautious tradition, and prompted Beijing to accuse Japan of undermining the one-China principle. China's diplomats questioned Japan's intentions and warned against support for "Taiwan independence" movements.

China earlier this month also assailed Takaichi for meeting a Taiwanese official during the APEC summit, stating that such an action breaks diplomatic norms.

Looking Ahead

As both sides trade warnings and protests, the dispute underlines how fragile regional geopolitics have become. With Japan deepening its defenses with the US and China ratcheting up pressure on Taiwan, one statement can quickly snowball into a wider diplomatic spat. For now, both governments insist that they seek stability — but neither appears willing to soften its stance.