China Insider China Insider | PM Takaichi's Statement on Taiwan, KMT Party Chairperson Cheng Li-wun, China's Outward Strength and Inner Weakness
Nov 18, 2025
This week, the discussion dives into Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi's comments on Taiwan and why they sparked outrage in Beijing. Insights into the recent KMT leadership change highlight implications for Taiwan's political landscape. The interplay between China’s perceived strength and its internal struggles raises questions about the duality of the Chinese state. Additionally, the podcast explores Taiwan's public sentiment towards Japan and the broader effects of these dynamics on regional stability.
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Takaichi Reframes Taiwan As Japan’s Security Issue
- Sanae Takaichi reframed Taiwan as a Japanese national-security issue, not merely a sovereignty dispute.
- Miles Yu says that shifts international discourse and could create a "Takeichi doctrine" that other democracies might follow.
Beijing's Wolf-Warrior Diplomacy Backfires
- Beijing's violent diplomatic rhetoric reflects a civilization-versus-barbarism framing and wolf-warrior style.
- Miles Yu argues this approach backfires domestically and harms China's international image.
Domestic Chinese Public Often Rejects Tough Foreign Rhetoric
- Beijing avoids claiming Japanese words hurt "1.4 billion Chinese" because domestic public disagrees with aggressive diplomacy.
- Miles Yu notes Chinese citizens often ridicule the foreign ministry and continue visiting Japan despite warnings.