Heavyweights clash as election of hawkish PM Sanae Takaichi and US policy unpredictability change calculus in region

Takaichi’s remarks stirred a firestorm, but her later clarifications highlight the limits on Japan’s involvement in a Taiwan crisis.

A Chinese official threatened to behead the Japanese prime minister after she suggested Japan could become involved in a war over Taiwan.

A diplomatic row between China and Japan has escalated after Chinese state media accused Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of “crossing the line” with Taiwan remarks, prompting calls in Tokyo to expel a Chinese diplomat.

Japan said on Monday it had complained to China about "extremely inappropriate" remarks by one of its diplomats towards Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Today, Takaichi said her comment was referring to the “worst-case scenario” for Taiwan. As it echoed the views of the Japanese government, Takaichi said she would not retract the statement. However, she did vow to exercise greater caution when commenting on a “Taiwan contingency” in the future.