Chinese Ambassador to the United Nations Fu Cong delivered a strong condemnation of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent statements about Taiwan during a UN General Assembly debate on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
Diplomatic Confrontation at United Nations
Ambassador Fu described Prime Minister Takaichi's comments as "extremely erroneous and dangerous" and stated they directly violate the fundamental one-China principle. The Chinese diplomat emphasized that such remarks undermine Japan's longstanding commitment to peaceful development and regional stability.
In a significant escalation of the diplomatic dispute, Fu declared that Japan is "totally unqualified" to seek a permanent seat on the UN Security Council while maintaining such positions on Taiwan. This represents a major obstacle to Japan's aspirations for greater international influence within the United Nations framework.
Controversial Remarks and Domestic Criticism
The controversy stems from Prime Minister Takaichi's statement to Japanese lawmakers on November 7, 2025, where she asserted that a Taiwan emergency could create a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan that would justify collective self-defense measures. This position represents a significant shift in Japan's traditional approach to Taiwan-related matters.
Japanese scholars and media outlets have joined in criticizing the Prime Minister's comments. Noriyuki Kawamura, a professor at Nagoya University, stated that the remarks trampled on the one-China principle that has underpinned Sino-Japanese relations for decades.
An editorial in the Japanese newspaper Shakai Shimpo went even further, describing Takaichi herself as "a survival-threatening situation for Japan," highlighting the domestic opposition to her foreign policy approach.
Political Motivations and Constitutional Concerns
Critics within Japan argue that Prime Minister Takaichi is pushing for military expansion while lacking a stable majority in the Diet. They suggest she is relying on right-wing positions to solidify her political base amid governing challenges.
Atsushi Koketsu of Yamaguchi University accused the Prime Minister of using the "China threat theory" for political gain while simultaneously undermining Japan's pacifist Constitution. This analysis suggests domestic political calculations are driving the controversial foreign policy statements.
Former Asahi Shimbun journalist Yoichi Jomaru characterized Takaichi's remarks as "extremely rash" and called for their immediate retraction, reflecting concern among seasoned Japanese political observers.
Call for Diplomatic Restoration
Professor Koketsu emphasized that Japan's top priority should be building a mutually beneficial relationship with China and upholding the one-China principle that both countries agreed upon when they normalized diplomatic ties. This perspective represents the traditional approach that has maintained regional stability for decades.
The escalating diplomatic tension comes at a sensitive time for East Asian relations, with potential implications for regional security architecture and economic cooperation. The strong response from China indicates the seriousness with which Beijing views any perceived challenges to its position on Taiwan.
