"Will Cut Off the Neck": Chinese Diplomat's Outburst Sparks Backlash over Takaichi's Remarks, Japan Lodges Strong Protest

Mention of Collective Self-Defense in a Taiwan Contingency
Chinese Consul General Calls It "Path of Death," Threatens to "Cut Off the Neck"
Japanese Government Protests Immediately, Saying "Unfit to Be a Diplomat"

A senior Chinese diplomat stationed in Japan has unleashed harsh rhetoric targeting Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks that Japan could exercise its right to collective self-defense (military force) in the event of a "Taiwan contingency" (an emergency situation involving Taiwan). As the Japanese government immediately expressed displeasure and lodged a protest, China responded without expressing regret, taking a hardline stance, further escalating tensions between China and Japan over the Taiwan issue.

According to the Sankei Shimbun on November 10, Xue Jian, Consul General of China in Osaka, posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account in Japanese the previous day, stating, "'A Taiwan contingency is a Japan contingency' is the path of death that some foolish Japanese politicians are choosing."

Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

He asserted, "Even setting aside the Japanese constitution, this violates the legal obligations of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Japan and China and disregards the return of Taiwan to China, which was one of the outcomes of the victory in World War II." He added, "This is a reckless attempt that betrays the obligations of a defeated nation, completely forgets the old enemy clause of the United Nations Charter, and neglects the duty of acceptance required of Japan as a defeated country."

He continued, "I sincerely hope Japan will restore a minimum sense of reason and respect for the law, think rationally about the Taiwan issue, and avoid experiencing another national catastrophe like defeat in war."

Consul General Xue had previously posted an extremely threatening message on November 8, in response to Prime Minister Takaichi’s statement in the House of Representatives on November 7-where, as the first sitting Japanese prime minister, she said that a Taiwan contingency could constitute a "situation threatening Japan's survival," allowing the exercise of collective self-defense. Xue's now-deleted post included the phrase "there is no choice but to cut off the dirty neck."

In response, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara, the Japanese government spokesperson, stated at a press conference that morning that the remarks posted by Consul General Xue were "extremely inappropriate for a Chinese diplomatic representative." He added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Japanese Embassy in China had lodged a strong protest and urged for the prompt deletion of the post. Prime Minister Takaichi also declared in the House of Representatives that day that she had no intention of retracting or canceling her earlier statement in response to a question from a Constitutional Democratic Party lawmaker.

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs distanced itself from Consul General Xue’s comments by labeling them as "personal remarks," but instead strongly criticized Japan. At a briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yin Jian stated, "The personal post by the diplomat targets the delusional attempt to separate Taiwan from Chinese territory and the dangerous and erroneous remarks inciting military intervention in the Taiwan Strait." He continued, "Some Japanese politicians and media are vigorously exaggerating and promoting this, which is irresponsible and intended to distract and shift the focus."

Regarding Prime Minister Takaichi’s remarks, he said, "This seriously violates the political commitments the Japanese government has made thus far, and its nature and impact are extremely negative." He added, "China expresses strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition, and has already lodged stern representations (protests through diplomatic channels) and strong protests with Japan." He further urged, "Japan should immediately stop interfering in China’s internal affairs, cease provocations and crossing the line, and refrain from going further down the wrong path."