Taiwan’s President Holds Sushi in Bold Show of Support for Japan

UPDATE: In a striking display of solidarity, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te showcased sushi on social media today, reinforcing support for Japan amid escalating tensions with China. This move comes just hours after reports confirmed that China plans to suspend seafood imports from Japan, a significant economic blow amid the diplomatic row.

The friction ignited after Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested military intervention could occur in the event of a Chinese attack on Taiwan, which China claims as its territory. Lai’s sushi post, featuring delicacies like yellowtail from Kagoshima and scallops from Hokkaido, was shared on his Facebook and X accounts, accompanied by a call for followers to enjoy Japanese cuisine. “Today’s lunch is sushi and miso soup,” he wrote, emphasizing the enduring friendship between Taiwan and Japan.

China’s foreign ministry swiftly condemned Lai’s gesture as a “stunt,” reflecting the rising tensions in the region. The ministry’s spokeswoman, Mao Ning, stated that Japan must act with “dignity” and retract Takaichi’s remarks to mend ties. This diplomatic spat follows China summoning Japan’s ambassador and advising its citizens against traveling to Japan.

Earlier today, July 15, 2025, reports indicated that the Chinese government will also postpone the release of at least two Japanese films, further escalating the backlash against Japan. U.S. Ambassador to Japan George Glass reaffirmed America’s support for Tokyo during this crisis. “Coercion is a hard habit to break for Beijing,” he tweeted, vowing that the U.S. will stand by Japan just as it did during previous tensions over seafood imports.

The situation is intensifying. On Monday, Japan scrambled aircraft after detecting a suspected Chinese drone near its southern island of Yonaguni, located close to Taiwan. Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara reiterated Tokyo’s unchanged position on Taiwan despite the ongoing disputes.

In a bid to counter China’s tactics of economic coercion, Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung encouraged Taiwanese citizens to travel to Japan and support its economy during this critical time. “We must support Japan to stabilize the situation and stop the CCP’s bullying behavior,” he emphasized.

The diplomatic standoff shows no signs of easing. CBS News foreign correspondent Anna Coren reported that discussions between Japan and China yielded no significant progress. As tensions escalate, the international community watches closely for the next developments in this unfolding crisis.

Stay tuned for further updates on this urgent situation as it evolves.