Japan Condemns Chinese Diplomat’s Death Threat as Taiwan Deepens Engagement With Europe
- Olga Nesterova
- 42 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Tensions in East Asia escalated sharply after a senior Chinese diplomat issued a violent threat against Japan, prompting official protests from Tokyo and condemnation from Taipei, while Taiwan simultaneously expanded its diplomatic footprint in Europe.
Chinese Consul General Threatens to “Chop Off Filthy Heads”
Last week, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that a war breaking out in Taiwan could constitute an existential crisis for Japan, underscoring the country's growing alarm over regional security.
Shortly after, Xue Jian, China’s Consul General in Osaka, published a message on X (formerly Twitter) threatening to “chop off filthy heads.”
He wrote:
“I have no choice but to cut off that filthy head that has come charging in without a moment's hesitation. Are you ready?”
The post was rapidly deleted, but not before sparking widespread outrage.
Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the remarks “extremely inappropriate” and lodged a strong protest with Beijing. Japanese authorities stressed that such conduct is unacceptable for a diplomat stationed on Japanese soil.
Joseph Wu, Secretary General of Taiwan’s National Security Council, issued a forceful condemnation:
“The threatening remarks made by a Chinese diplomat stationed in Japan against Japan have already far exceeded the bounds of acceptable conduct for a diplomat and are utterly unacceptable in a modern civilized society. I strongly condemn this and express my deep disgust for such deplorable behavior.”
Taiwan Strengthens European Ties
Even as Beijing’s rhetoric escalates, Taiwan is deepening its engagement with Europe.
Taiwan’s Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao became the first Taiwanese official ever to speak inside the European Parliament building, addressing the IPAC Summit in Brussels. Her participation marks a symbolic milestone in Taiwan–EU relations and signals growing European willingness to engage with Taipei.
Today, former Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen arrived in Berlin as part of a broader effort to strengthen ties with key European partners. Tsai’s visit continues Taipei’s strategic outreach following the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te in May.
Beijing Rebukes Germany Over Tsai’s Visit
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded with a sharply worded statement, signaling its displeasure with Germany and reiterating the standard PRC position:
“China firmly opposes any ‘Taiwan independence’ separatists visiting countries having diplomatic ties with China under any pretext. Certain leading figure for ‘Taiwan independence’ who has already left office is still making every futile attempt to solicit foreign support for the independence agenda. We urge Germany to abide by the one-China principle, unequivocally oppose all ‘Taiwan independence’ moves, refrain from sending any wrong signal to ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces, and earnestly uphold the overall bilateral relations with China.”
A Dangerous Diplomatic Moment
The convergence of events — a Chinese diplomat issuing violent threats, Japan’s heightened security warnings, and Taiwan’s intensified European outreach — underscores a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape.
For Japan, the incident highlights the stakes of any conflict in the Taiwan Strait.
For Taiwan, strengthening global partnerships has become an existential priority.
For Europe, these engagements reflect a growing recognition of the strategic importance of Taiwan amid deteriorating China-EU relations.
And for China, the latest statements signal that its pressure campaign — diplomatic, rhetorical, and coercive — is far from over.
