Key Facts
• Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi met Taiwan’s APEC representative Lin Hsin-yi on October 31 and November 1.
• Photos of the meetings were posted on the social media platform X.
• China’s Foreign Ministry condemned the posts, calling them a “severe misstep” and “malicious.”
• China issued a formal protest to Japan, urging corrective measures to mitigate “negative impacts.”
• Beijing emphasized Taiwan as a “core interest” and a “red line” that must not be crossed.
• The incident follows Takaichi’s recent summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
• China’s reaction suggests potential for continued diplomatic tensions.
Summary
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s social media posts about consecutive meetings with Taiwan’s APEC representative Lin Hsin-yi have drawn sharp criticism from China’s Foreign Ministry. The ministry labeled the posts as sending “seriously wrong signals” to pro-Taiwan independence forces and described the impact as “extremely malicious.” Beijing lodged a formal protest, urging Japan to reflect on its actions and take measures to address the fallout. China reiterated that Taiwan is a “core interest” and a “red line” that must not be crossed. The incident comes shortly after Takaichi’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, further straining diplomatic relations. Analysts predict continued strong reactions from China.
