A Chinese “top-tier wolf warrior” (a term used to describe assertive Chinese diplomacy), Xue Jian, the chief consul in Osaka, posted a message in November last year threatening to “cut off the head” of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. He has remained in his position for six years without any personnel changes, prompting questions about the reasons behind this decision. Some analysts believe that the Chinese government, unable to either demote or promote Xue Jian due to the controversy, has chosen to keep things as they are. Xue Jian, who was once seen as a problematic individual to the point that Japan considered expelling him, has instead had his tenure extended because of this incident.
As reported by the Mainichi Shimbun on the 9th, Xue Jian, who took up his position in June 2021, recently completed his sixth year in office, becoming the longest-serving consul since the Osaka consulate was established in 1976. Of the 14 previous consuls, the maximum term was four years and four months, with over half serving less than three years. Experts believe that replacing Xue Jian might be seen as a demotion because of the sensitive nature of the role, leading Beijing to postpone any personnel changes.
Xue Jian’s message in November of last year came after Prime Minister Takaichi commented on Japan’s possible military involvement in a Taiwan-related crisis. He posted on X: “That disgusting neck that dares to interfere must be severed without delay.” At the time, a representative from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs distanced the government from the statement, referring to it as a “personal opinion,” while supporting it as a reaction to “incorrect and hazardous comments encouraging military action in the Taiwan Strait.”
However, Beijing also encounters pressure against openly supporting Xue Jian. Such actions could anger Japan and lead to global criticism for rewarding a diplomat who insulted a foreign leader. Some experts believe China is aiming for a balanced approach that prevents provoking Japan while ensuring Xue Jian does not feel ignored. A Japanese government source told the Mainichi Shimbun, “The Chinese government probably wants to give him a position that appears to acknowledge his accomplishments.”
At that time, the governing Liberal Democratic Party strongly criticized Xue Jian, urging his classification as a “persona non grata” (a diplomatic persona non grata) and his removal. Nevertheless, the Japanese government restricted its reaction to an official protest. Xue Jian removed the post two days later and stopped using X. For some time, he decreased his public appearances, which led to rumors that he had gone into seclusion. However, in recent times, he has become active once more, taking part in symposiums and interactions with supportive organizations.
Xue Jian, 58 years old, is approaching the retirement age of 60, although the Chinese government has been incrementally increasing the retirement age to 63. Should he experience a personnel reassignment, his subsequent role will essentially be his final one. Whether he is demoted, promoted, or retires in his current position will indicate how Beijing genuinely assesses his contentious behavior.
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