Rapid deterioration of Japan–China relations is occurring.

On November 7, Japan’s Prime Minister Takaichi stated in the Diet that “a Taiwan contingency could constitute a survival-threatening situation.” In response, China's Consul General in Osaka posted on social media, “I'll cut off your filthy head.” China asserted that the remarks violated the so-called “One China” principle, demanded their retraction, and hinted at retaliation by referring to the Mukden Incident and the postwar international order. Since November 28, China has rolled out countermeasures against the Prime Minister's remarks, including urging its citizens to refrain from travel, tourism, and study in Japan; halting imports of Japanese seafood; postponing the Japan-China-Korea cultural ministers' meeting; and refusing to hold a Japan-China-Korea summit. China also criticized the Prime Minister’s remarks in statements at the UN General Assembly and in a letter to the UN Secretary-General. State-run media intensified personal attacks against the Prime Minister, and there were moves to question Japan’s sovereignty over Okinawa.

In response, Japan repeatedly explained that the Prime Minister’s remarks did not alter the government’s longstanding position. It has been working to counter China's claims and communicate its stance, including by sending a letter to the UN Secretary-General explaining Japan's position.