China says Japan is unqualified for permanent UN Security Council seat

Saturday 21 February 2026 - 17:00

By: Sahili Aya

China says Japan is unqualified for permanent UN Security Council seat

China has reaffirmed its opposition to Japan’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, arguing that Tokyo is “totally unqualified” for such a role. The remarks were made during a session of the United Nations General Assembly focused on negotiations over Security Council reform.

Speaking at the meeting, China’s UN Ambassador Fu Cong criticized Japan’s historical record and its recent security posture in the region. According to Chinese state media, Fu stated that Japan has not sufficiently reflected on its actions during World War II and accused it of undermining the postwar international order. He further alleged that Tokyo’s stance on Taiwan has contributed to rising tensions in East Asia.

Japan has long advocated for reform of the Security Council, arguing that its structure no longer reflects today’s geopolitical realities. Tokyo has sought a permanent seat as part of broader proposals to expand representation, particularly among major economic contributors to the United Nations.

Tensions between Beijing and Tokyo intensified after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated last year that a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan could constitute a situation threatening Japan’s survival, potentially allowing the country to exercise collective self-defense. Beijing strongly criticized those remarks.

Outlining China’s position on reform, Fu emphasized three principles: preventing the Council from becoming an exclusive “club” of powerful nations; ensuring stronger representation for developing countries, particularly in Africa; and adopting a long-term, strategic approach to restructuring the body. He stressed that historical injustices toward African nations should be addressed with priority in any reform process.

Japan has not formally responded to the latest comments but continues to support comprehensive reform aimed at making the Security Council more representative and effective.