Japan protests “threatening” remarks from Chinese envoy after Taiwan-related comments by PM Takaichi.
Japan has condemned “extremely inappropriate” remarks made by China’s Consul General in Osaka, Xue Jian, against Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, according to a report from REUTERS.
The controversy began after Takaichi told Japan’s parliament on Friday that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could force Tokyo to take military action for self-defence, describing it as “a situation threatening Japan’s survival.”
In response, Xue shared an article from the Asahi Shimbun on Saturday and wrote, “We have no choice but to cut off that dirty neck that has lunged at us without a moment’s hesitation. Are you ready?” The post was later deleted.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said the intent of Xue’s words “was not entirely clear” but labelled them “extremely inappropriate.” Japan’s foreign ministry and its embassy in Beijing lodged a strong protest and demanded action.
China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian defended the envoy, saying Xue’s comments were in response to Takaichi’s “wrongful and dangerous” remarks about Taiwan, urging Japan to “take a hard look at its historical responsibilities.”
US Ambassador to Japan George Glass also condemned the post, writing on X that Xue had “threatened Takaichi and the Japanese people,” adding, “The mask slips — again.”