A diplomatic spat has erupted following a threatening remark from a Chinese consul in Japan towards the country’s recently appointed prime minister. This incident has sparked significant backlash in Tokyo and highlights the growing tensions between China and Japan.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who assumed office last month, addressed a parliamentary committee on Friday, expressing concerns over a potential Chinese blockade of Taiwan. She warned that such an action could pose a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan, potentially prompting the deployment of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces. Taiwan, a democratically governed island, is located only about 60 miles from Japan’s territory.

Reacting to Takaichi’s comments, Xue Jian, the Chinese consul general in Osaka, posted a now-deleted message on social media platform X. In the post, he made a menacing statement: “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 has strongly condemned Xue’s statement. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara labeled it as “extremely inappropriate” and confirmed that Tokyo had issued a formal protest to Beijing. Kihara noted that Xue had previously made several provocative comments and urged China to take necessary disciplinary measures.

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

Rather than reprimanding the diplomat, China seemed to support his stance. Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, stated on Monday that Xue’s remarks were a reaction to what he described as Takaichi’s “wrongful and dangerous” statements. Lin accused Japan of avoiding its historical responsibilities and cautioned Tokyo against meddling in what China considers its internal 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.