November 24, 2025 | 08:07 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang did not greet each other throughout the G20 summit in South Africa this weekend. As reported by Kyodo and cited by Antara on Sunday, this occurred amid the deteriorating relationship between the two countries following Takaichi's statement about the possibility of China's attack on Taiwan.
In the latest warning, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the Japanese leader had sent a 'wrong signal' by stating readiness for military intervention regarding Taiwan - a 'red line' that must not be crossed, his ministry said on Sunday.
After attending the two-day summit marking her G20 debut, Takaichi told reporters that she did not schedule a meeting with Li.
'Since I became prime minister, Japan's determination to build mutually beneficial, constructive, and stable relations remains unchanged,' she said.
'Japan is open to dialogue at various levels.'
Takaichi acknowledged several issues that weigh down the Tokyo-Beijing relationship.
'It is precisely because there are concerns and differences that we must reduce them, understand each other, and strengthen cooperation. Of course, it is important for Japan to convey things that need to be conveyed to China,' she said.
Tensions escalated after China issued a travel warning to Japan and once again banned imports of Japanese seafood.
The move was taken after Takaichi stated in parliament on November 7 that an attack on Taiwan could trigger a Japanese military response.
Her statement was interpreted as an indication that the Japanese Self-Defense Forces could act in support of its security ally, the United States, if China imposes a maritime blockade on Taiwan or exerts other military pressure.
Tokyo rejected Beijing's demand for Takaichi to retract her remarks, asserting that the statement was in line with the Japanese government's position all along.
Takaichi's predecessors had previously expressed concerns about China's threat to Taiwan, but had never openly stated how Japan would respond.
Tokyo and Beijing have long been at odds over historical issues, borders, and various other strategic concerns.
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