ASIATODAY.ID, BEIJING — Diplomatic tensions between China and Japan have intensified after Beijing declared that Japan is not qualified to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC). The sharp statement came in response to what China called a “provocative” remark by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning issued the criticism at a press briefing on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, underscoring that Japan has not fully repented for its wartime aggression.
“A country like this is not in a position to shoulder the responsibility of maintaining international peace and security, and is not qualified to be a permanent member of the Security Council,” Mao said.
Beijing Cites Japan’s Wartime Aggression
Mao stressed that the UNSC’s primary mandate is to maintain global stability as mandated by the UN Charter, something Beijing believes Japan is not morally prepared for.
She pointed to Japan’s historical aggression during World War II, which caused “immense suffering” across Asia and beyond.
China also criticized Japanese officials, including Takaichi, for continuing to visit the Yasukuni Shrine—a site honoring 14 Class-A war criminals from WWII—arguing that such actions distort and whitewash history.
Taiwan Remarks Spark the Latest Clash
The latest dispute erupted after Takaichi stated that an armed attack on Taiwan could justify Japan mobilizing its Self-Defense Forces under the concept of collective defense. Beijing condemned the comment as a violation of China’s sovereignty and interference in its internal affairs.
China’s Consul General in Osaka, Xue Jian, went as far as posting a threatening statement on social media directed at the Japanese prime minister.
Beijing demanded that Takaichi retract her remarks, but she refused.
China Responds: Flight Ban, Seafood Boycott, and Anime Restrictions
China has begun to impose retaliatory measures amid the escalating row, including: banning flights to Japan, blocking Chinese citizens from watching Japanese anime, and reintroducing a blanket ban on Japanese seafood imports starting Wednesday.
The seafood ban is a major blow to Japanese exporters, especially since a similar restriction related to Fukushima wastewater was lifted only months earlier. Around 700 Japanese exporters preparing to re-enter the Chinese market must now halt shipments once again.
Takaichi: Japan Still Wants “Constructive” Relations with China
In Tokyo, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi finally addressed the tensions, saying Japan still seeks stable and constructive ties with China.
“Last month, President Xi and I reaffirmed our commitment to building a constructive and stable strategic relationship,” she told reporters on Friday, November 21.
However, she insisted that Japan’s position on Taiwan remains unchanged.
Beijing Doubles Down: Japan “Unqualified” for UNSC Bid
At the UN General Assembly, China’s representative Fu Chong reiterated that Japan is unfit for a permanent UNSC seat.
“Japan is fundamentally unqualified to run for a permanent seat on the Security Council,” Fu said.
He added that Japan must be prepared to face “firm and harsh countermeasures” if it “continues making mistakes.”
UNSC Reform Debate
The UNSC currently has five permanent members: China, Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France.
Japan has long pushed for UNSC reform to open new permanent seats, but China has consistently blocked its efforts over historical and political objections.
Tourism and Economic Fallout
Japan has also issued a travel advisory for China. Mainland Chinese tourists make up the largest group visiting Japan—around 5.7 million visitors in 2025, or nearly 23% of total arrivals—raising concerns over a potential economic hit if tensions continue. (AT Network)
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