Beijing addresses Japan's change in assessment of China
Beijing (ANTARA) - The Chinese government has responded to Japan’s change in assessment in the latest Diplomatic Blue Book, which alters the depiction of bilateral relations between the two countries.
Spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Mao Ning, stated that the tensions in relations were triggered by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks regarding Taiwan.
“The root cause of the current situation in China-Japan relations is the erroneous statements by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi about Taiwan,” Mao Ning said in Beijing on Friday (10/4).
According to Mao, those statements violate Japan’s commitments and erode the foundation of bilateral relations.
The Japanese government, in the 2026 Diplomatic Blue Book, has changed the description of relations with China.
Previously described as “one of the most important bilateral relationships,” it has now been changed to “an important neighbouring country.”
The report was presented by Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi at a cabinet meeting.
The document also accuses China of increasing unilateral criticism and coercive actions against Japan.
It mentions incidents of radar locking by Chinese fighter jets on Japanese aircraft, as well as restrictions on exports of dual-use goods.
Japan also emphasises the importance of international community support for its position.
On the other hand, Japan states that it remains committed to maintaining strategic relations and dialogue with China.
Tensions have escalated since Takaichi’s statement on 7 November 2025 regarding the potential impact of a Taiwan conflict on Japan.
That statement was interpreted as the possibility of Japanese military support for Taiwan.
In response, China has taken several measures, including restrictions on imports of Japanese seafood products and the suspension of high-level official meetings.
China has also warned that it will respond firmly if Japan becomes militarily involved in the Taiwan issue.
On 6 December 2025, two Chinese fighter jets were reported to have locked radar on a Japanese aircraft near Okinawa.
The incident prompted protests from the Japanese government.