Chinese Consul General Threatens to “Cut Off That Dirty Neck” in Deleted Social Media Post
TOKYO/BEIJING: A diplomatic firestorm has erupted between Japan and China following remarks by Japan’s new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, suggesting that a Chinese attack or blockade on Taiwan could be deemed a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan, potentially requiring the use of force.
Takaichi, the country’s first female prime minister, made the controversial comments in parliament on Friday, citing scenarios such as a Chinese naval blockade on Taiwan or military action to prevent the arrival of U.S. forces as events that could trigger Japan’s involvement. Under Japan’s security legislation, a “survival-threatening situation” allows the Self-Defense Forces to exercise the right of collective self-defense to aid an ally, even if Japan is not directly attacked.
Takaichi’s comments drew an immediate and visceral reaction from Beijing. Over the weekend, Chinese Consul General Xue Jian in Osaka posted a highly provocative message on X (formerly Twitter). The now-deleted post stated, “We have no choice but cut off that dirty neck that has been lunged at us without hesitation. Are you ready?”
On Monday, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara confirmed that Tokyo had lodged a strong protest with Beijing over Xue’s message. Kihara stated that the comment was “extremely inappropriate” for a Chinese diplomatic mission head, and the Foreign Ministry demanded the post be deleted and China provide an explanation.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian addressed the row, stating that Xue’s post was a personal one “directed at the erroneous and dangerous remarks” by Japanese politicians that attempt to “separate Taiwan from China’s territory and advocate military intervention in the Taiwan Strait.” Lin, however, confirmed that China had lodged “solemn complaints and protests” with Japan over Takaichi’s initial remarks, calling them “blatant interference of Chinese internal affairs and violation of sovereignty.”
The exchange suggests that bilateral relations will face significant challenges under Takaichi’s leadership. The new ultraconservative Prime Minister, known for her hawkish views, has committed to a military build-up and, despite a recent cordial meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, subsequently met with Taiwan’s representative to the summit, further angering China.
China views Taiwan as an integral part of its territory and has consistently refused to rule out the use of force for reunification. Lin Jian challenged Tokyo, asking, “Is Japan attempting to challenge China’s core interests and obstruct the great cause of China’s reunification? Where does Japan intend to take China-Japan relations?”
The diplomatic friction underscores the deepening security concerns in the region, with Japan increasingly defining its own security interests as intrinsically linked to the fate of the self-governing island.