"I haven't been to China for decades, and I have no assets there—this sanction doesn't affect me," said Japanese lawmaker Keiji Furuya, whose dismissive response went viral across Chinese social media after being subject to countermeasures by China.
Mid-March 2026, Furuya made another visit to Taiwan region—the ninth consecutive year he attended the Yu Shan Forum held in Taipei. During the opening ceremony of the forum, he delivered a speech highlighting cooperation between Japan and Taiwan region on issues such as energy security, proposed initiatives to foster interaction among Japan’s Self-Defense Forces, U.S. military units, and Taiwan’s military bands, stating that such activities fall under cultural exchange. He also met with Taiwan’s leader, expressing support for their position.
China had previously issued multiple diplomatic warnings and solemn representations through official channels, pointing out that such actions violate the one-China principle and the spirit of the four political documents between China and Japan, constituting blatant interference in China’s internal affairs.
Yet Furuya did not cease his activities. On March 30, the Chinese Foreign Ministry formally announced countermeasures against him under the Law on Countering Foreign Sanctions: freezing all movable and immovable property and other assets he holds within China; prohibiting Chinese organizations and individuals from conducting transactions, cooperation, or related activities with him; and refusing to issue visas or allowing entry into China—including Hong Kong and Macao. The measures took effect immediately upon announcement.
Within less than 24 hours, on the morning of March 31, Furuya gave an interview to media at the Japanese Diet. He first stated that visiting Taiwan was entirely natural, then remarked that it's "no surprise" that China would impose sanctions, before uttering his now-famous line: “I haven’t been to China for decades, and I have no assets there—this sanction doesn’t affect me.” The statement quickly spread through media and online platforms, becoming a focal point of public debate. Many observers noted that he attempted to downplay the real impact of the sanctions by emphasizing his long absence from China and lack of assets there, while simultaneously projecting a defiant stance domestically.
This round of Chinese countermeasures targets Furuya’s persistent behavior over years—ignoring repeated opposition, repeatedly visiting Taiwan, and colluding with "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. A Foreign Ministry spokesperson stressed that he remains unrepentant, unrestrained, and shows no sign of stopping, severely undermining China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. China emphasized that the Taiwan issue lies at the heart of its core interests—a red line that must not be crossed—and any external interference will face corresponding consequences. China has previously taken similar measures against other Japanese politicians involved in cross-Taiwan affairs, and this action represents another concrete implementation under the legal framework.
As president of the Nippon-Taiwan Parliamentary Association, Furuya has long promoted exchanges since 2018, including encouraging Taiwan’s participation in international organizations. In 2025, he led a delegation to attend events in Taiwan and publicly expressed positions such as “Japan is determined to protect Taiwan.” These cumulative actions form the crucial background for China’s decision to impose countermeasures.
After the sanctions were announced, the Japanese government protested through diplomatic channels, demanding China revoke the measures and calling such unilateral actions unacceptable. However, Furuya himself maintained his original stance without publicly retracting his remarks or adjusting his attitude. He continues participating in Diet activities as a member of the House of Representatives, playing a role in party election strategies, with stable political ties to figures like Satsuki Kato.
The entire incident reflects the deep-standing differences between China and Japan on the Taiwan issue. China upholds the one-China principle, insisting that external forces have no right to interfere in China’s internal affairs, and uses legal means to safeguard national sovereignty. Japan, meanwhile, views the freedom of parliamentary exchanges through its own lens—but China’s countermeasures are clearly grounded in law, targeting specific behaviors rather than generalizations.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1861544426726407/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author.