China's foreign ministry responded on October 8 after Japan asked Beijing to show a certain level of respect toward Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, according to 东方财富.
The request followed a recent regular press briefing in which a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson did not use Takaichi's official title. Japan's foreign ministry raised the matter with China over the omission, 共同网 reported.
At a routine press conference on October 8, spokesperson Mao Ning took a question on how China would answer Japan's demand. The reporter noted that Tokyo had made the request that day, citing the earlier briefing where Takaichi's position was not mentioned.
The exchange centers on diplomatic protocol rather than policy substance. According to 东方财富, Japan framed its complaint as a call for Beijing to extend a degree of respect to its prime minister. Chinese officials have not publicly detailed any change in how they will refer to Takaichi going forward.
Separately, 搜狐网 reported that sources say Japan's three national security documents may be revised to include content on nuclear-powered submarines. That report is distinct from the protocol dispute but adds to the broader context of Japan's ongoing defense policy debate.
What to watch next: whether China adjusts its public references to Takaichi's title at future briefings, and whether Japan's security document review advances.
