Japan rebukes China's second UN letter accusing Tokyo of 'reviving militarism' as tensions over Taiwan simmer

Japan’s representative to the United Nations has issued a formal rebuttal to China’s latest letter to the UN, as tensions continue to rise over Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent comments on Taiwan.

In the response, Japan’s UN ambassador Kazuyuki Yamazaki wrote that China’s claims “are inconsistent with the facts, unsubstantiated, and are categorically unacceptable.” He was referring to a letter China submitted on Monday, accusing Japan of violating UN values and provoking Beijing.

Yamazaki wrote that “Japan has consistently respected and adhered to international law, including the UN Charter, and has actively contributed to maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order underpinned by the rule of law,” in his letter addressed to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

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The exchange follows China’s second complaint to the UN over remarks Takaichi made last month, when she said a Chinese attack on Taiwan could create a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan, suggesting Tokyo might join other countries in a military response. The two nations have since been locked in a growing diplomatic and economic dispute.

In its latest letter, China argued that Takaichi’s comments “openly challenge the victorious outcomes of World War II and the post-war international order, and constitute a serious violation of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.” Beijing also accused Japan of seeking to “expand its military capabilities and revive militarism.”

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Japan has rejected these accusations, saying its stance on Taiwan remains unchanged. China has demanded a retraction, but Takaichi has refused.

Takaichi reiterates stance

Asked about the matter on Friday, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara reiterated that “Japan’s stance, including the recent exchanges in parliament, has been consistent and we have repeatedly conveyed this to China,” adding that Japan will continue to “respond appropriately.”

On Wednesday, Takaichi told parliament that Japan’s position on Taiwan has not shifted since the 1972 Japan-China joint communiqué, in which Japan said it “fully understands and respects” China’s view that Taiwan is an “inalienable part” of its territory—though the statement did not explicitly endorse Beijing’s “One China” interpretation.

While some Chinese social media users interpreted Takaichi’s reference to the 1972 communiqué as a softening of her earlier stance, Beijing has continued to criticise her remarks, indicating the dispute is likely to persist.

“Japan believes that differences of views should be addressed through dialogue, for that is at the core of the spirit of the UN Charter,” Japan’s letter concluded. “Japan will continue to respond calmly through dialogue.”