Japan rebuts China’s second letter to UN as dispute simmers

Saturday, December 6, 2025 -Japan has issued a firm rebuttal to China’s second formal letter to the United Nations, escalating a diplomatic standoff that shows no sign of cooling. 

Chinese officials accused Japan of misrepresenting regional security dynamics and undermining Beijing’s territorial claims, prompting Tokyo to counter with a detailed response asserting that China’s narrative is both “inaccurate and destabilizing.” Japan maintains that China is attempting to sway international opinion through repeated UN submissions while continuing aggressive behavior in contested waters.

In its reply, Japan emphasized that its actions are grounded in international law, citing maritime protocols and established norms that govern activity in the East China Sea. Japanese diplomats argue that China’s letters omit key context regarding Chinese patrols, dangerous ship maneuvers, and airspace incursions that have raised tensions throughout the year. 

Tokyo is pressing the UN to scrutinize China’s assertions more carefully, warning that Beijing’s strategy of “repetition over facts” could distort the global understanding of ongoing security risks.

Behind the diplomatic language, both governments are signaling firmer postures. Analysts say Japan’s swift and forceful rebuttal reflects growing frustration with what it views as China’s attempts to internationalize the dispute while escalating pressure on the ground. 

Meanwhile, China appears committed to framing Japan as a regional destabilizer aligned with U.S. interests. With neither side backing down, the dispute is expected to intensify, drawing greater scrutiny from allies and raising the stakes for future UN deliberations.