Chinese Consul's Threat Against Japan's New PM Sparks Diplomatic Row

Diplomatic Storm After Violent Social-Media Post

A Chinese consul general stationed in Osaka provoked outrage in Tokyo after posting and then deleting a social-media message that threatened to 'cut off' Japan’s newly appointed prime minister over her comments about Taiwan. The exchange highlights growing tensions between the region’s two largest economies and raises concerns about the tone of diplomatic discourse.

What happened

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who took office in October, told a parliamentary committee that a Chinese blockade of Taiwan could create a 'survival‑threatening situation' for Japan and might compel Tokyo to deploy its Self‑Defense Forces. Taiwan is a democratic polity located roughly 60 miles from Japanese territory.

In response, Xue Jian, the Chinese consul general in Osaka, posted on X (formerly Twitter) a remark that was later deleted:

'That filthy neck that barged in on its own — I’ve got no choice but to cut it off without a moment’s hesitation. Are you prepared for that?'

Official reactions

Japan’s government strongly condemned the post. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara described the comment as 'extremely inappropriate,' said the post’s intent was 'not entirely clear,' and confirmed Tokyo lodged a formal protest with Beijing. Kihara also noted Xue had previously issued inflammatory statements and urged China to take disciplinary action.

China’s foreign ministry, by contrast, appeared to defend the consul. Spokesperson Lin Jian said Xue’s words were a response to what Beijing called Takaichi’s 'wrongful and dangerous' comments that misrepresented China’s position on Taiwan, and cautioned Japan against interfering in matters Beijing considers internal.

Takaichi later characterized her remarks as 'hypothetical' and said she would avoid repeating them. The Chinese consulate in Osaka did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Wider context

The episode comes as Tokyo considers a more assertive defense posture. Takaichi, a conservative politician with hawkish views on China and close ties to Washington, has proposed raising Japan’s defense spending above 1% of GDP and deepening security cooperation with the United States. U.S. defense officials have long said Japan’s role would be critical in any contingency involving Taiwan — an island Beijing claims as its own.

The incident underscores how volatile rhetoric can escalate diplomatic tensions in an already fraught regional environment and raises questions about how both governments will manage communications and accountability moving forward.