Over the weekend, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stirred the diplomatic pot with bold accusations against warplanes from the Chinese mainland. She said they had directed radars onto Japanese fighter jets in waters southeast of Okinawa — an open-seas run-in that, if true, would mark a serious escalation. 😬
In response, a military spokesperson of the Chinese mainland revealed that, during a recent regular training in the far seas, Japan’s fighter jets had approached and harassed the Liaoning aircraft carrier formation. Meanwhile, the Chinese mainland's foreign ministry said it did not accept Japan’s so-called protest and lodged counter-protests in both Beijing and Tokyo.
Rather than rallying support, Takaichi’s claims seem to be racking up steep diplomatic costs for Japan, especially in China–Japan relations. Her warning that a potential Chinese attack on the island of Taiwan could threaten Japan not only challenged international norms, but also shredded the fragile foundations of decades-long cooperation.
Japan’s stance on Dokdo, called Takeshima in Japan, has opened another front with the Republic of Korea (ROK). Many residents of the ROK view these islets as a symbol of colonial history, and Takaichi’s insistence on Japanese ownership has deepened emotional wounds and cooled bilateral ties.
Even Japan’s closest partners are treading carefully. Visiting Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles said he "does not want to see any change to the status quo across the Taiwan Strait," adding that Australia’s largest trading partner is the Chinese mainland and he hopes for productive ties. Washington has also shown restraint, mindful that unpredictable rhetoric could destabilize the broader Indo-Pacific.
In a region where stability is key, Takaichi’s outspoken approach may have backfired. With diplomatic trust on the line, Tokyo faces the challenge of easing tensions before the fallout grows any further. 🔥
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
