China-Japan dispute escalates at UN over Taiwan remarks described as 'biggest challenge' to relations

A diplomatic dispute between China and Japan is intensifying at the United Nations following statements made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Chinese Ambassador Fu Cong has submitted a second letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, calling Takaichis remarks on Taiwan the "most serious challenge" to bilateral relations and demanding their withdrawal.

Fus correspondence follows a letter from Japanese Ambassador Kazuyuki Yamazaki, who accused Beijing of "hindering" bilateral exchanges. Yamazaki argued that the prime ministers statements did not exceed Japans post-World War II defensive stance.

In his letter, Fu emphasized that Takaichis comments have "gravely damaged mutual trust between China and Japan and weakened the political foundation of bilateral relations." He called on Tokyo to reaffirm the one-China principle, retract the statements, and take concrete actions to honor commitments to China, warning that Japan would face consequences otherwise.

This second UN letter comes amid Beijings continued firm position after Takaichis November 7 parliamentary statement that an attack on Taiwan could be considered a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan, potentially justifying military cooperation with U.S. forces. Takaichi has refused to retract her comments despite ongoing boycotts by Beijing.

China regards Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out forceful reunification. While most nations, including Japan and the U.S., do not formally recognize Taiwan as independent, Washington continues to provide it with defense equipment. Tokyo has maintained that its China policy remains unchanged, but Beijing has rejected this as insufficient.

Fu criticized the "survival-threatening situation" phrase, saying it exceeds Japans declared "passive defense strategy." He referenced historical precedents where Japanese militarists used similar rhetoric to justify military expansion under the guise of self-defense, and urged the international community to stay alert to Japans military ambitions.

Yamazakis November 24 letter defended Takaichis remarks as consistent with Japans defense-only strategy. He also subtly criticized Beijings actions regarding Taiwan, noting that some countries have expanded military capabilities non-transparently and attempted to alter the status quo by force. Yamazaki added that China has obstructed people-to-people and economic exchanges and displayed a negative stance toward political dialogue with Japan.

China has delayed two major meetings with Japan and South Korea, including a trilateral leaders summit in January and a ministerial meeting scheduled last week. The diplomatic freeze has also affected cultural exchanges, with China canceling Japanese films, concerts, and other events nationwide.

Japanese lawmakers from the Japan-China Friendship Parliamentarians Union recently met Chinese Ambassador Wu Jianghao to discuss sending a delegation to China. Similarly, Yoshinobu Tsutsui, chairman of the Japan Business Federation, expressed willingness to send a business delegation.

A recent Beijing Daily commentary criticized Japan for failing to confront its wartime history, following a social media post of Japanese footballer Kaoru Mitoma holding a card of World War II soldier Hiroo Onoda. Mitomas club, Brighton & Hove Albion, apologized for any offense caused.

This report was originally published by the South China Morning Post.

Author: Sophia Brooks