China and Japan in Escalating Spat Over Taiwan: Takaichi’s Warning, Beijing’s Backlash, and Risks for Bangladesh

By Tanvir Rusmat, Dhaka, November 18,2025

Tensions between China and Japan have intensified sharply following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks in parliament that a Chinese military move against Taiwan could create a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan, potentially justifying a military counter-response. Beijing reacted strongly, demanding that Takaichi retract her comments and condemning them as “egregious” interference in China’s internal affairs. Chinese officials warned that any Japanese attempt to intervene in the Taiwan Strait would be met with decisive retaliation.

To reinforce its stance, China’s coast guard deployed a formation of ships to carry out a “rights-enforcement patrol” around the Senkaku Islands, which China calls the Diaoyu Islands and also claims as its own territory. China described the operation as a legitimate defense of its sovereignty. The confrontational rhetoric has escalated further as state-affiliated Chinese platforms labeled Takaichi a “troublemaker,” warning that she would “have to pay the price.” China’s Consul General in Osaka, Xue Jian, also made a provocative remark that triggered strong criticism from Tokyo.

Japan has attempted to calm the situation by sending senior officials to Beijing to clarify that the prime minister’s comments do not indicate any major shift in Japan’s defense strategy. Tokyo maintains that Takaichi was describing a hypothetical security scenario rather than signaling an aggressive new policy direction. Still, Japan has refused to retract her remarks, saying the statements were legitimate security concerns.

Analysts warn that China’s coast guard activities near the disputed islands increase the risk of maritime incidents, while Japan’s tougher public stance on Taiwan marks a new phase in regional strategic competition. If the tensions continue, Japan is likely to deepen security cooperation with allies such as the United States, while China may increase diplomatic or economic pressure. Taiwan has now become a central flashpoint shaping the future of East Asian geopolitics.

Bangladesh faces indirect risks from this growing confrontation. Both China and Japan are major economic and development partners for Bangladesh, and a prolonged rivalry could make ongoing or future bilateral projects more politically sensitive. Instability in the Indo-Pacific sea routes may disrupt trade and raise the costs of essential imports. Bangladesh’s export-oriented industries could also be affected if global supply chains involving China and Japan experience shocks. Diplomatically, Bangladesh may find it increasingly challenging to maintain a balanced position between the two influential partners at a time when geopolitical neutrality is critically important for its economic stability.