China has enacted comprehensive sanctions against Shigeru Iwasaki, former Chief of the Joint Staff of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces, for his alleged collusion with Taiwanese separatist elements. The measures, announced by China’s Foreign Ministry on Monday, December 15, 2025, took immediate effect following the release of an official decree.
The sanctions package includes the freezing of all movable and immovable properties and assets held by Iwasaki within Chinese territory. Additionally, Chinese organizations and individuals are expressly prohibited from engaging in any transactions or cooperative endeavors with the former Japanese official. Iwasaki will also be denied Chinese visas and entry into the country.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun articulated China’s position during a press briefing in Beijing, emphasizing that Taiwan represents a fundamental core interest and an inviolable red line in Sino-Japanese relations. The sanctions were implemented pursuant to China’s Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law, with authorities asserting that Iwasaki’s activities constituted serious violations of the one-China principle and the foundational political documents governing China-Japan relations.
Official statements characterized Iwasaki’s acceptance of a political advisory role with Taiwan’s administration as a provocative act that amounts to blatant interference in China’s internal affairs. Despite multiple diplomatic protests to Japanese authorities, Iwasaki reportedly persisted in his engagements with Taiwanese separatist factions, ultimately necessitating the punitive measures.