Name: Conflict erupts after Chinese diplomat threatens Japan’s Prime Minister
Uploaded: 2025-12-23T09:25:52.000Z
Duration: 3 min 12 s
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China and Japan have been locked in a diplomatic standoff that threatens to derail trade between Asia's two largest economies.

Basic passive voice

The issue is Taiwan and what Tokyo would do if the island is attacked.

Our Asia correspondent, Stash Butler asks how the countries got here and what happens next.

A handshake at the APEC summit mark a fresh beginning between China's leader and the new Prime Minister of Japan.

There are various pending issues and challenges between Japan and China, but

I hope to reduce them and achieve concrete results.

But the result a week later was fresh division after Sanae Takaichi suggested her country could intervene militarily over Taiwan.

If China were to deploy battleships and involve the use of force, I believe this could be deemed a situation threatening Japan's survival.

In response, a senior diplomat for China, which claims Taiwan posted, then deleted this on X, seemingly threatening to cut off the Prime Minister's dirty neck that has fueled a backlash in Japan.

This is extremely inappropriate for a representative of a Chinese diplomatic mission, a sentiment echoed by Taiwan at this critical moment.

We must support Japan to effectively stabilize the situation and stop the Chinese Communist Party's bullying.

Fish imports from Japan have reportedly been suspended over apparent safety issues, harming a key voter bloc.

And Beijing has also warned its citizens not to travel to Japan.

China solemnly urges Japan to retract its wrongful statements, stop creating trouble on issues related to China, and

take concrete actions to correct its mistakes.

Already in Tokyo, the effect is being felt by tour operators like Eugene Shin.

Yesterday, about six groups cancelled on us, which is roughly 10%.

So in total, about 20 bookings have been cancelled, and that's about 80% of our market.

Across the sea in China, Japanese companies are bracing for boycotts, but

Of course we have to stand by our country, but for things like hobbies, that's a different thing.

We'll probably keep buying what we buy when it comes to politics, and

It doesn't really impact individuals, I think.

Tokyo has sent a diplomat to Beijing for talks, but to no effect.

Tensions near disputed islands have also grown, and

neither Japan's leader nor her counterpart seem ready to back down from 65 to 80%.

But her base might actually be somewhat strengthened because the Chinese government is acting just as the far right was concerned about.

As Japan enters winter, a cloud of anger has descended between neighbors on the East China Sea.

It's unclear now when the smoke will start to clear.