China's Arrogance in Full Display as It Sanctions Japanese Diet Member

The Chinese government has imposed a number of sanctions on Seki Hei, a Diet member elected to the Upper House from the Japan Innovation Party. Beijing's penalties include freezing any assets he may have in China and banning him from entering the country.

China's foreign ministry cited several reasons for the sanctions. He "spread false opinions," it said, regarding Taiwan, the Senkaku Islands, historical events, treatment of China's Uyghur and Tibetan minorities, Hong Kong, and other issues. It also singled out the lawmaker for visiting Yasukuni Shrine to worship after being elected to the Diet.

Seki Hei is a prolific political commentator and historian who has been a vehement critic of the Chinese communist regime. The sanctions on him appear to be a countermeasure based on China's Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law. He was born as Shi Ping in the city of Chengdu in Western China in 1962. Seki Hei is the Japanese reading of his Chinese name Shi Ping (石平). His official Japanese name is Yo Kitano.

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson declared that Seki Hei became a "bird of a feather" after acquiring Japanese citizenship and slandering China as part of anti-China forces in Japan.

However, unlike China, Japan is a country where freedom of expression and freedom of speech are protected. The Chinese government has no right to impose sanctions and infringe on freedom of speech in sovereign Japan. It doesn't matter whether or not Beijing has taken exception to someone exercising that right.

No country is entitled to impose sanctions in response to the lawful actions and statements of Japanese Diet members, including visits to Yasukuni Shrine. Beijing's actions are also an outrageous form of interference in Japan's domestic affairs.

Explaining China's 'Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law'

The Chinese government should immediately withdraw the unjust sanctions against Seki Hei.

China enacted its Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law in June 2021. Then, in March 2025, China's State Council promulgated new, wide-reaching regulations on its implementation. The law is intended as a tool for striking back against foreign measures that displease Beijing, especially sanctions imposed on China. In July of 2021, for example, China imposed sanctions on former US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross and others. That was in retaliation for targeted US sanctions on Chinese officials who had been involved in the suppression of Hong Kong democracy activists.

The US sanctions were a reasonable response to gross human rights violations. They are totally different from unjust sanctions imposed by an authoritarian Chinese government that routinely limits freedom and violates human rights, including beyond China's borders.

*Seki Hei speaks out during a protest against the Tiananmen Square massacre in front of the Chinese Consulate General in Japan. June 1989 (Courtesy of Seki Hei)*

Seki Hei was so shocked by the Tiananmen Square Massacre in 1989 that he made the decision to seek citizenship of democratic Japan. He was studying in Japan at the time. Ever since, he has been a critic of the authoritarian Chinese communist government and its contempt for human rights.

The latest sanctions include refusing to issue visas not just to Seki Hei, but also to members of his immediate family. They are denied entry into China, including Hong Kong. This is a blatant attempt at intimidation.

Not Intimidated

Seki Hei, in turn, declared: "I haven't been to China for over a decade, and I don't have any assets there. So, it doesn't affect me at all."

He then added this sarcastic riposte to the officials in Beijing: "(The sanctions) are proof that I have been conducting proper political activities in Japan and I am actually honored by them. It's like I received an award."

We hope that Seki Hei will continue to speak freely and engage in political activities without succumbing to pressure.

*Ishin Party leader Hirofumi Yoshimura protests China's sanctions against newly-elected Diet member Seki Hei.*

*Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi reports Japan's protest over Seki Hei sanctions. September 8. (©Sankei by Ataru Haruna)*

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told a press conference that Japan has used diplomatic channels to request that China remove its sanctions on Seki Hei.

Hayashi declared, "Freedom of expression for Diet members, who represent the people, is the foundation of our democracy. This should be respected." He added, "Unilateral measures that seek to threaten those who have different opinions are absolutely unacceptable."

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba should not remain silent on this issue. He should make a statement strongly reprimanding the Chinese government for its arrogance.

(Read the editorial in Japanese)

Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun