BEIJING – China has affirmed its commitment to continued diplomatic contact with Japan, despite sharply condemning recent comments made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning indicated Monday, November 18, 2025, that Beijing would provide updates regarding a reported high-level meeting involving Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signaling a willingness to maintain dialogue while simultaneously ramping up official protests concerning bilateral friction points.
Diplomatic relations between East Asia’s two largest economies have been strained by Japanese political rhetoric concerning Taiwan, which Beijing views as essential to its core national interests. When addressing reports of an imminent visit to China by Masaaki Kanai, the Director-General of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau at Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Spokesperson Mao Ning confirmed that China would disclose details about the consultations as they become available.
Protests Over Taiwan Comments Intensify
The primary diplomatic headache centers on Prime Minister Takaichi’s recent statements on Taiwan, which the Chinese government has labeled as “egregious.” Beijing has consistently emphasized that these remarks constitute serious errors that must be rectified.
- Formal Rejections: Mao stated that China has already issued, and will continue to issue, solemn representations and strong protests to Tokyo.
- Demands for Rectification: The core of Beijing’s demand is that Japan must withdraw the objectionable statements, reflect seriously on its policy direction, and cease actions that provoke incidents regarding China’s territorial claims.
This firm diplomatic stance underscores Taiwan’s highly sensitive nature in Sino-Japanese relations, complicated by historical grievances and regional security competition.
Travel Advisory Justified by Safety Concerns
Beyond political rhetoric, Beijing addressed a separate, increasingly public issue: its recent advisory urging Chinese citizens to reconsider travel to Japan. This travel warning cited a deteriorating public security environment within Japan as the justification.
Pressed on this unusual caution—issued despite Japan’s generally low crime rate—Mao Ning pointed to increased risks specifically targeting Chinese nationals. She cited a recent surge in crimes affecting Chinese travelers and residents.
Furthermore, Mao highlighted the growing threat posed by extreme and aggressive rhetoric directed at China emanating from far-right groups and online platforms in Japan. “Given these concerns,” Mao explained, “the decision by relevant Chinese departments to issue travel reminders was entirely justified.”
This move complicates tourism and cultural exchanges, adding a layer of citizen safety concern to already tense political discussions, effectively linking bilateral security issues with ideological differences.
Navigating Dual Tracks of Diplomacy and Protest
The juxtaposition of lodging strong protests while confirming ongoing high-level diplomatic contacts shows Beijing is employing a two-pronged strategy. By confirming a readiness to consult with Kanai’s delegation, China signals it is not slamming the door on communication. However, the assertive demand that Japan retract its statements and the public justification of the travel advisory demonstrate Beijing’s intention to exert maximum pressure to safeguard its perceived national interests and the security of its citizens abroad.
The outcome of the anticipated consultations will be critical in determining whether tensions can be reduced, or if the current friction points—namely Taiwan and public security—will continue to define this strained bilateral relationship. Readers should monitor updates regarding Japanese officials’ visits to China, which serve as crucial indicators of the immediate trajectory of East Asian diplomacy.