China Slams Japan Over Taiwan Remarks; Wang Yi Warns of ‘Red Line’ Breach

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Sunday (Nov 23, 2025) said it was “shocking” for Japan’s leadership to send a “wrong signal” on Taiwan, escalating a diplomatic row that has strained China-Japan relations for over two weeks.

In an official statement, Wang accused Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of crossing a red line after she told parliament on Nov 7 that a hypothetical Chinese attack on Taiwan could trigger a military response from Japan. Wang claimed Tokyo was attempting to “intervene militarily” in Taiwan—an allegation Japan has rejected.

Beijing Warns of Severe Consequences

Wang Yi said Japan’s stance touched on issues that “must not be violated” and warned that China would “resolutely hit back” to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He further suggested that if Japan continued on this path, the international community might need to “re-examine Japan’s historical crimes” and prevent any “resurgence of militarism.”

Row Escalates to UN, Trade, and Cultural Ties

On Friday (Nov 21), China raised the issue with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, vowing to defend itself.
Japan’s Foreign Ministry called China’s claims “entirely unacceptable”, insisting that Japan’s commitment to peace remains unchanged.

Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry condemned China’s letter to the UN, calling it “rude, unreasonable,” and a distortion of historical facts. It also said Beijing’s position violated Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits threats or use of force.

Wider Impact on Bilateral Relations

The dispute has spilled into trade and cultural exchanges, marking one of the most serious China-Japan crises in years.

China is Japan’s second-largest export market, purchasing about $125 billion in Japanese goods in 2024, primarily industrial machinery, semiconductors, and automobiles, according to UN Comtrade data.