Takaichi's Taiwan Strait remarks test Japan-China ties ahead of APEC

September 5, 2026 at 11:05 AM2 min

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Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's November 2025 remarks on Taiwan triggered Chinese economic retaliation and military posturing. China has demanded a retraction, which Takaichi has refused. The dispute persists as an APEC summit in China approaches in November 2026.

Key Facts

Takaichi made the Taiwan Strait remarks at a Lower House Budget Committee session on November 7, 2025.
China imposed rare earth export restrictions and curtailed tourism and other exchanges with Japan.
Takaichi reaffirmed Japan's Taiwan policy as stated in the 1972 Japan-China Joint Communiqué on December 3, 2025.
An APEC summit is scheduled for November 2026 in China, hosted by Xi Jinping, with Takaichi expected to attend.
A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson in late June 2026 indicated approval for private Japan-China exchanges, with business and parliamentary delegations scheduled to visit China this fall.

Taiwan Strait Remarks

At a Budget Committee session on November 7, 2025, Takaichi addressed the legal applications of Japan's right of collective self-defense, using the Taiwan Strait as an example. Three days later, on November 11, Takaichi stated that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are important for Japanese security and international stability. On December 3, she told the House of Representatives that Japan's basic position on Taiwan remains as stated in the 1972 Japan-China Joint Communiqué. Takaichi thus signaled that the November 7 statement did not represent a change in Japan's Taiwan policy.

China's Response

China accused Japan of 'neo-militarism' and moved to normalize Chinese Navy activities, including aircraft carriers, in waters between the First and Second Island Chains. The Chinese coast guard began deploying east of Taiwan's coast. Beijing applied security provisions to Japanese companies, restricted rare earth exports, and curtailed tourism and other exchanges. Economic, local-governmental, and academic ties were all affected to a significant degree. China has demanded that Takaichi retract her November 7 statements, but she has refused.

Diplomatic Outlook

An APEC summit is scheduled for November 2026 in China, hosted by President Xi Jinping, and Takaichi is expected to attend. Significant progress in Japan-China relations has been elusive, according to The Diplomat. In late June 2026, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson made remarks that appeared to give a green light for private exchanges between Japan and China. A range of business associations and parliamentary groups are now scheduled to visit China this fall. Whether this supposed 'green light' actually came from China's leadership remains unclear.