China Revives “Wolf Warrior” Diplomacy in Fierce Rhetorical Clash With Japan

China has reactivated its aggressive “wolf warrior” diplomatic style in response to a recent statement by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi that a Chinese threat to Taiwan could justify a military reaction from Tokyo. The tactic involves sharply critical messaging by Chinese diplomats, particularly on social media, and is being directed at Takaichi while appealing to countries that suffered under Japanese militarism during World War II.

At a press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning insisted that the international community should scrutinize Japan’s real intentions and question whether Tokyo can maintain its stated path of peaceful development. She linked Japan’s current policies to historical wartime aggression, arguing that Takaichi’s rhetoric risks reigniting militarism.

China has also stepped up economic and diplomatic pressure: it has issued travel warnings to its citizens regarding Japan and imposed a ban on Japanese seafood. Meanwhile, Chinese envoys have sharply criticized Japan’s credibility on peace and international cooperation at forums like the United Nations.

The row intensified following a now-deleted post from the Chinese consul general in Osaka on X (formerly Twitter), in which he used violent imagery to condemn Takaichi. The post referenced a wartime-era Chinese war song and expressed hostility toward the Japanese leader. Chinese diplomatic missions in Southeast Asia — particularly in the Philippines and Indonesia — have echoed this nationalist messaging. They issued caricatures and statements warning that if Japan intervened militarily in Taiwan, China would respond decisively.

In contrast, Japan has adopted a more restrained public response. Authorities have condemned the consul general’s post as inappropriate, but have sought to avoid escalating the diplomatic standoff. A top Japanese official said the government will handle the matter “with discretion,” declining to comment on individual messages, but reaffirming the importance of calm and measured diplomacy amid growing tension.