Tue Nov 18 12:53:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

China and Japan held talks in Beijing on November 18, 2025, to address escalating tensions stemming from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent comments regarding a potential Chinese military attack on Taiwan. China demanded that Japan retract Takaichi’s remarks and cease interfering in China-related issues. China also expressed strong opposition to Japan’s potential modification of its Self-Defense Forces’ ranks to reflect pre-World War II titles and asserted its right to patrol the East China Sea. Japan, on the other hand, aimed to de-escalate the diplomatic spat, which has begun to negatively impact tourism and cultural exchange. The meeting also addressed a controversial social media post by a Chinese Consul General and the postponement of Japanese film releases in China.

News Article:

China and Japan Hold Tense Talks Over Taiwan, Rising Militarism

Beijing/Tokyo – November 18, 2025 – Chinese and Japanese officials met in Beijing today in an attempt to de-escalate tensions that have surged following controversial remarks made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi about a potential Chinese military action against Taiwan.

The talks, led by Liu Jinsong, Director-General of the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s Department of Asian Affairs, and Kanai Masaaki, Director-General of the Japanese Foreign Ministry’s Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, were reportedly strained. China firmly demanded that Japan withdraw Takaichi’s comments, which Beijing views as interference in its internal affairs.

“The Japanese side must immediately withdraw its wrongful remarks, deeply reflect on itself and correct mistakes, and give the Chinese people a clear account,” stated Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning.

Adding to the friction, China expressed strong concerns about reports that Japan may be considering modifying its Self-Defense Forces’ ranks to mirror titles used by the Imperial Japanese Army before World War II. Mao warned, “China will never allow the resurgence of Japanese militarism.”

Japan, facing a downturn in tourism and cultural exchanges due to the diplomatic fallout, reportedly sought to reassure China that Takaichi’s remarks did not signify a shift in Japan’s official stance, as outlined in the 1972 joint communique recognizing the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government of China.

The meeting also addressed a contentious social media post by Chinese Consul General Xue Jian in Osaka, who appeared to threaten violence in response to Takaichi’s comments.

Adding to the complications, Premier Li Qiang will not be meeting Prime Minister Takaichi at the G20 summit in South Africa this week. Furthermore, two Japanese film releases in China have been postponed.

Analysts suggest that resolving this dispute will be crucial to maintaining stability in the region, as tensions over Taiwan and maritime disputes in the East China Sea remain a persistent source of friction between the two nations.

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