By Admin 
Political mistrust between Japan and China is very old, but after the election of the new Prime Minister in Japan, relations between the two countries have reached the lowest level. Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi said in Parliament that if China takes military action on Taiwan, it will be a direct threat to Japan’s existence and Tokyo may have to take retaliatory military measures. This statement created a stir in the entire Asia-Pacific region.
After Sanae Takaichi’s statement, China has given a very strong statement. Government spokespersons, media and Communist Party-affiliated platforms described Japan’s statement as provocative and a threat to regional peace, accusing Tokyo of deliberately escalating tensions. After this, anti-Japan public sentiments started emerging rapidly in China.
War can bring the economy to a standstill
Long-standing issues such as the future of Taiwan, the Senkaku and Diaoyu Islands, as well as the US military presence have already fueled political mistrust between the two countries. Takaichi’s statement came amidst these tensions and Beijing got a clear message that Japan is toughening its position on Taiwan more than before. For Japan, the Taiwan issue is not just a diplomatic dispute.
Taiwan is only 110 kilometers away from Japan’s south-western islands and in the event of a war, Japanese territory comes in direct danger. Apart from this, the sea route passing through Taiwan is Japan’s energy and trade lifeline. Tokyo believes that any kind of war on Taiwan could bring its economy to a standstill.
Alarm bells for Japanese citizens living in China
As tensions increased, on November 18, 2025, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara advised Japanese citizens present in China to exercise special caution. According to Kihara, this step has been taken keeping in mind the rapidly spreading anti-Japan mentality in China. In the advice of the Japanese Embassy, it has been said that citizens should be cautious in crowded areas. Avoid arguments with unknown people. Do not travel alone. Leave the area immediately upon any suspicious activity. Families traveling with children should take extra caution. This situation is considered to be the most serious security alert after the Senkaku dispute of 2012. A large number of Japanese businessmen, students and families have contacted the embassy asking for information.
China stopped the release of Japanese films
The impact of the diplomatic dispute was also visible in China’s cultural sector. State broadcaster CCTV announced that the release of two major Japanese films has been put on hold for the time being. These include-
Crayon Shin-chan: The Movie
Cells at Work! (Live Action)
These films were stopped just a few weeks before their release. CCTV called it a prudent decision taken keeping in mind public sentiments. Japan is uncomfortable with the move, as China is the world’s second-largest film market and Japanese animation and cultural content enjoys a large audience here. If tensions increase further, we may see bigger restrictions on Japanese content.
Crisis looms over economic relations; restlessness of industry increases
Japan’s Trade Minister Ryosei Akazawa said that despite recent tensions, China has not yet disrupted the supply of rare earths and important minerals, but apprehensions are increasing in Japan’s industry. The heads of Japan’s three major business organizations met with Prime Minister Takaichi and urged that dialogue is essential to reduce political tensions, as the economies of the two countries are deeply dependent on each other. Japan is particularly dependent on Chinese minerals for the manufacturing of high-tech equipment, batteries, electronics and automobiles.
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