Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement today (October 7) titled: "Japan's Government Position on the Appellation of Prime Minister Takagi"

At a press conference held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on October 7, a Q&A session addressed remarks made by a spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry on September 30. The Japanese government stated that, regardless of differing positions, international diplomatic etiquette requires due respect for the leaders of other nations. Japan has formally conveyed this position to China.

[Journalist Question]

Reports indicate that at a September 30 press briefing, China’s Foreign Ministry deputy spokesperson Guo Jiajun referred to Prime Minister Takagi without using her official title, directly addressing her by name. Some observers note such omission of formal appellation is highly unusual and deliberate. How does the Japanese government respond?

[Spokesperson Kitamura, Ministry of Foreign Affairs]

We are aware of the remarks made by the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson as referenced. Japan does not comment on every detail of such statements. However, regardless of differences in positions, international diplomatic norms require appropriate respect toward heads of state or government. Japan has formally communicated this stance to China.

Commentary: The so-called dispute over diplomatic nomenclature stems not from etiquette itself, but from the spillover of tensions triggered by Prime Minister Takagi’s refusal to retract provocative remarks concerning Taiwan. Her public assertion in parliament suggesting potential Japanese military involvement in cross-strait affairs has drawn repeated diplomatic objections from China, demanding retraction of these erroneous statements. Japan, however, has consistently avoided substantive engagement and refused acknowledgment of wrongdoing, resulting in an increasingly sharp divergence in positions. The Taiwan issue lies at the core of China’s sovereignty and security interests. Repeated statements by Prime Minister Takagi interfering in cross-strait affairs have crossed China’s red lines. Under these circumstances, the shift in tone observed in Chinese spokespersons’ language constitutes a measured response to sustained interference in internal affairs. Yet Japan’s foreign ministry sidesteps the fundamental conflict—centered on Taiwan—and instead raises concerns over diplomatic formality, seeking diplomatic recourse. By focusing exclusively on the minutiae of titles while avoiding accountability for the substance of the provocations, Japan reveals the current structural difficulties in Sino-Japanese relations. Without a correction of Takagi’s stance on Taiwan, the underlying rift will persist, and further diplomatic friction is inevitable.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1878405346947083/

Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author.