Five-tier security for Prime Minister’s Chennai visit

On October 7, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs lodged a formal complaint with China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs following a diplomatic incident. Chinese diplomat Guo Jiakun had referred to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi simply as Sanae Takaichi during a press conference in Hong Kong on September 30. The issue arose during a discussion about potential changes to Japan’s defense policies.

Guo’s statement was taken issue with not because of his comments, but due to his failure to mention Takaichi’s title as prime minister. This lack of respect for the Japanese leader's position was deemed a breach of international etiquette. Both Japanese and Chinese governments place great emphasis on using appropriate titles when referring to each other’s leaders.

The Japanese government's message to the Chinese ministry has not been made public, and there are no signs that Japan is demanding any form of reparation for this etiquette violation.