China finds itself at the center of multiple international disputes this week, with escalating tensions involving both Japan and India. The diplomatic friction stems from Beijing's aggressive stance on Taiwan and its persistent claims over India's Arunachal Pradesh territory.
Japan-China Relations Deteriorate Over Taiwan Comments
The relationship between China and Japan has taken a significant downturn following controversial remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in early November. During a parliamentary session, Takaichi suggested that heightened military activity around Taiwan might require Japanese military intervention.
China, which considers Taiwan an inseparable part of its territory, reacted strongly to these comments. The situation escalated when a Chinese diplomat threatened to "cut off that dirty neck" in a social media post referring to the Japanese Prime Minister.
Recent developments show Beijing criticizing Tokyo's plan to deploy a medium-range surface-to-air missile unit on Yonaguni island, located approximately 110 kilometers from Taiwan. Neither nation appears willing to de-escalate the situation, with China maintaining its particularly aggressive position.
Historical Roots of China-Japan Tensions
The current friction between China and Japan has deep historical roots dating back to Japan's military aggression toward China in the 19th and 20th centuries. Japan controlled Taiwan from 1895 to 1945, following its victory in the first Sino-Japanese War until its defeat in World War II.
Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi recently emphasized this historical context, noting that the return of Taiwan, which was "stolen" by Japan, remains an obligation for the country. He condemned the Japanese leader's comments about potential military intervention in Taiwan, stating that "China must resolutely strike back" against such provocations.
From China's perspective, Japan's statements carry extra significance due to this complicated history, combined with contemporary regional geopolitics and the hardline positions of both countries' political leadership.
Arunachal Pradesh Woman Detained at Shanghai Airport
Closer to home, China-India relations faced new strain when UK-based, Indian-origin woman Pema Thongdok from Arunachal Pradesh was detained by Chinese immigration officials at Shanghai airport on November 21. The incident occurred during a transit stop when officials refused to recognize her passport, claiming that Arunachal Pradesh is not part of India.
Thongdok reported being held for approximately 18 hours in what has become the latest flashpoint in the ongoing border dispute between the two Asian giants. The Indian government responded with an official statement asserting that Arunachal Pradesh being part of India is an "indisputable reality".
This is not the first such incident involving citizens from Arunachal Pradesh. In 2023, India withdrew its martial arts contingent from the Summer World University Games in Chengdu after China issued "stapled visas" instead of regular visas to three athletes from the region.
China's Territorial Claims and Strategies
China's persistent claims over Arunachal Pradesh, which it refers to as South Tibet or Zangnan, stem from its rejection of the McMahon Line boundary established at the Simla Convention of 1914. Beijing argues that Tibet lacked the standing to be a separate party to the treaty, thereby invalidating the entire convention.
China has employed various strategies to reinforce its territorial claims, including publishing Chinese names for places within Arunachal Pradesh. The country released a list of six such names in 2017, followed by another 15 names in 2021, and additional names this year. India's External Affairs Ministry has described these attempts as "vain and preposterous".
Xi-Trump Phone Conversation Highlights Taiwan Focus
In other diplomatic developments, Chinese President Xi Jinping initiated a phone call with US President Donald Trump earlier this week. According to reports from The Wall Street Journal, this marked the first call initiated by Xi following their in-person meeting in South Korea several weeks earlier.
The leaders discussed multiple subjects including Ukraine, Taiwan, and agricultural products. State media outlet Xinhua reported that Trump affirmed the United States "understands the importance of the Taiwan issue to China" and described bilateral relations as "extremely strong".
Trump accepted Xi's invitation to visit Beijing in April and extended an invitation for Xi to make a state visit to the United States. The Chinese leader's decision to initiate the call underscores the critical importance Beijing places on the Taiwan issue in its foreign policy calculations.
Later, Trump reportedly spoke with Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi, telling reporters that the United States' strong relationship with China benefits Japan as well. However, in practice, the Trump administration has consistently prioritized engagement with China, sometimes at the expense of relationships with other allies.
These simultaneous diplomatic tensions highlight China's increasingly assertive foreign policy stance across multiple fronts, from its historical rivalry with Japan to its ongoing border disputes with India, all while maintaining its unwavering position on Taiwan's status.
