Tensions between China and Japan have escalated following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s controversial comments on Taiwan, leading to a significant diplomatic rift. China’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that Premier Li Qiang will not hold a one-on-one meeting with Takaichi during the upcoming G20 Summit in South Africa. This decision underscores Beijing’s disapproval of Takaichi’s remarks, which suggested Japan’s potential military intervention in Taiwan Strait affairs—a statement that has been widely condemned as provocative and destabilizing. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning emphasized that Takaichi’s comments ‘seriously contradict the spirit of the four political documents between China and Japan,’ which form the foundation of bilateral relations. Mao reiterated that Japan must adhere to its commitments on the Taiwan issue and urged Tokyo to act responsibly. Meanwhile, Japanese officials have defended Takaichi’s stance, claiming that her remarks align with the 1972 China-Japan Joint Statement. However, Chinese experts argue that Tokyo is downplaying the gravity of the situation and failing to address the damage caused to bilateral ties. The postponement of a joint opinion poll and the Beijing-Tokyo Forum further highlights the strained relations. As Masaaki Kanai, head of Japan’s Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, visits Beijing for talks, analysts remain skeptical about the prospects of resolving the impasse. The incident underscores the fragility of China-Japan relations and the broader implications for regional stability.