In an attempt to stabilize rapidly deteriorating relations with China following hawkish remarks regarding Taiwan, Japan’s Foreign Ministry has dispatched a senior diplomat to Beijing for key discussions. Masaaki Kanai, Director-General of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, traveled on November 17, 2025, to meet with his Chinese counterpart, Liu Jinsong, aiming to reduce diplomatic friction and prevent further deterioration of bilateral ties over the contested island. The urgent mission seeks to clarify that recent parliamentary statements made by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding a potential Taiwan conflict do not signify a strategic departure from established Japanese security policy.
The diplomatic spat ignited after Prime Minister Takaichi told legislators that a Chinese military action against Taiwan could threaten Japan’s national survival, potentially necessitating a military response—a direct assertion that previous administrations had generally avoided voicing publicly to maintain regional stability. This rhetoric drew immediate and strong condemnation from Beijing. On Friday, Chinese officials summoned Japan’s ambassador to issue a formal protest and issued severe warnings that any use of force over Taiwan would result in a “crushing” defeat for Japan. Over the weekend, the state-run Xinhua news agency published a critical commentary, accusing Takaichi of undermining regional stability and improperly interfering in China’s internal affairs.
China Limits Exchanges and Issues Travel Alerts
Beyond sharp rhetoric, Chinese authorities have tangibly responded by reducing people-to-people exchanges. China’s foreign ministry advised mainland citizens to defer travel to Japan, and the education ministry urged caution regarding educational plans there. Additionally, Hong Kong’s Security Bureau updated its travel advisory on November 16, advising residents in or planning to visit Japan to exercise heightened vigilance.
While China views Tokyo’s stance as reflecting troubling hardline right-wing influences, Japanese officials plan to use this week’s meetings to stress policy continuity and urge Beijing to refrain from actions that could further damage the relationship. Japan’s government understands the high stakes, particularly the economic risks associated with prolonged diplomatic hostility.
Economic Consequences Loom if Tourism Tumbles
The dispute carries significant economic implications, largely tied to tourism and trade. Takahide Kiuchi, executive economist at Nomura Research Institute, warned that a sharp decline in Chinese tourists could severely impact Japan’s economy. Kiuchi estimated that if the reduction in Chinese arrivals mirrored the 25% drop seen during the 2012 diplomatic flare-up over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, the economic impact could erase more than half of Japan’s annual growth.
Chinese state-linked media has continued to target the Prime Minister, with the People’s Daily branding her comments as strategically reckless and deliberately provocative. The key tests for Kanai in Beijing this week will be whether he can successfully de-escalate tensions and convince his Chinese counterparts that Japan’s security focus remains strictly defensive, thus preventing an immediate breakdown in communication. The outcome of these high-level discussions will determine if careful diplomacy can stabilize one of Asia’s most vital, yet volatile, bilateral relationships.