China replaces diplomat Liu Jinsong after 'hands-in-pocket' incident with Japan

China has replaced Liu Jinsong, a senior diplomat who was criticized for his demeanor during a meeting with a Japanese counterpart, with a new official. Liu, formerly the director-general of the Asian Affairs Department at China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was seen standing with his hands in his pockets while Japanese diplomat Masaaki Kanai appeared to bow while listening to a translator. This incident occurred amid heightened diplomatic tensions between China and Japan, particularly following remarks by Japanese official Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan's security and potential Japanese military response.

Japan lodged a formal complaint with China concerning the press arrangements and the perceived disrespect shown by Liu. China's foreign ministry responded by stating that Beijing did not arrange for media to photograph or film the meeting, and that most reporters present were from Japanese media outlets. The diplomatic spat intensified after Takaichi stated that a Chinese attack on Taiwan that threatened Japan's survival could trigger a military response from Tokyo. China, which considers Taiwan its own territory, reacted strongly, leading to widespread travel cancellations, a ban on seafood imports, and the cancellation of concerts by Japanese musicians in China. China also suspended the screening of upcoming Japanese films.

Both nations have taken their dispute to the United Nations, where their envoys exchanged sharp words. The Chinese envoy criticized Takaichi's remarks and questioned Japan's qualification for a permanent seat on the Security Council, while Japan dismissed China's statement as baseless. Meanwhile, a senior Taiwanese security official described China as the region's "troublemaker" and highlighted Taiwan's efforts to prepare its population for potential crises, including a Chinese invasion, through a new civil defense handbook.