China rebuts Japan’s Taiwan stance in new UN letter as tensions climb

China challenges Japan’s defense narrative at the UNChina lodged a fresh objection at the United Nations on Monday, dismissing what it called “unreasonable” claims by Japan regarding rising tensions over Taiwan. The letter, sent by China’s permanent representative to the UN, Fu Cong, criticized Tokyo for “evading the core issue” and attempting to shift responsibility onto Beijing.

Beijing responds to Japan’s earlier submission

Fu’s note was written in reply to a letter submitted last week by Japan’s Ambassador Kazuyuki Yamazaki, who argued that Japan’s post-war security doctrine remains “strictly defensive.” Yamazaki said Tokyo has long contributed to global stability and maintained a posture of “passive defense,” countering China’s earlier accusations.

Debate centers on Takaichi’s Taiwan remarks

In his response, Fu said Japan’s position was contradicted by recent statements from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who suggested on Nov. 7 that a hypothetical Chinese attack on Taiwan could be classified as a “survival-threatening situation.” Such a designation could enable Japan to invoke its right to collective self-defense. Beijing argued that linking Japan’s security to a “Taiwan contingency” implied readiness to use force against China and exceeded Tokyo’s own stated principles.

Diplomatic consequences extend beyond the UN

Takaichi’s remarks sparked swift retaliation from Beijing, including travel warnings for Chinese citizens, renewed restrictions on Japanese seafood imports, and the postponement of a trilateral cultural ministers’ meeting with South Korea and Japan. The dispute has further strained China-Japan relations at a time when the broader Indo-Pacific region is already marked by strategic rivalry and competing security interests.