A diplomatic uproar has erupted after a Chinese consul general in Japan made a menacing statement aimed at the country’s new prime minister following her remarks supporting Taiwan. This incident has sparked outrage in Tokyo and highlights escalating tensions between the neighboring nations.

Japan’s Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, who assumed office just last month, addressed a parliamentary committee on Friday. She asserted that a Chinese blockade of Taiwan could pose a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan, potentially triggering the deployment of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces. Notably, Taiwan, a democratically governed island, is situated a mere 60 miles from Japanese shores.

In response, Xue Jian, the Chinese consul general based in Osaka, issued a now-deleted post on X, expressing a violent sentiment: “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?”

The Japanese government swiftly condemned Xue’s statement. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara labeled the comments as “extremely inappropriate” and confirmed that Tokyo had formally protested to Beijing. Kihara noted that Xue had previously made several provocative statements and urged China to take disciplinary measures.

Xue Jian, the Chinese consul general in Osaka, issued a threat against Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. (Kyodo/via Reuters)

China instead appeared to defend the diplomat. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters Monday that Xue’s words came in response to Takaichi’s “wrongful and dangerous” comments, which he said misrepresented China’s position on Taiwan. Lin accused Japan of “refusing to face up to its historical responsibilities” and warned Tokyo not to interfere in “internal Chinese affairs.”

Takaichi later told reporters her comments were “hypothetical” and said she would refrain from making similar remarks in the future.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would create a “survival threatening situation” for Japan.  (Kim Kyung-Hoon/Pool Photo via AP)

The episode threatens to strain already fraught relations between Asia’s two largest economies. Takaichi, a nationalist known for her hawkish views on China and close ties with Washington, has sought to deepen defense cooperation with the Trump administration. She has pledged to push Japan’s long-stagnant defense spending above 1% of GDP and to play a more assertive role in maintaining stability across the Taiwan Strait.

U.S. defense officials have long argued that Japan’s participation would be critical in any potential conflict over Taiwan, which Beijing sees as its own.

Japan’s chief cabinet secretary Minoru Kihara said that while the intent of the post was “not entirely clear” Xue’s remarks were “extremely inappropriate.” He said Xue had made multiple inappropriate statements and Japan has asked Beijing to take action.

Taiwan’s fighter jets prepare to take off at an airbase in Hsinchu, northern Taiwan to monitor Chinese naval ships and military planes engaged in training.  (Chiang Ying-ying/AP)

Though the post was deleted, China backed up Xue. Foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said in a news conference on Monday his words were in response to Takaichi’s “wrongful and dangerous” remarks on Taiwan, urging Tokyo to “take a hard look at its historical responsibilities.”

Takaichi said on Monday her comments were “hypothetical” and she would refrain from making them again.

The consulate in Osaka could not immediately be reached for comment.