1.
severance of diplomatic relations; breaking off diplomatic ties
The formal act of ending official diplomatic relations between two countries, typically by recalling ambassadors, closing embassies, and ceasing government-level contact. Usually taken as a strong protest in response to serious incidents, acts of aggression, or deep policy disputes.
The two countries have been in a state of severed diplomatic relations for many years.
Composed of 国交 (diplomatic relations, literally "country contact") and 断絶 (severance, cutoff). Refers to one of the most serious measures a country can take short of war: formally ending all official diplomatic channels, usually by withdrawing ambassadors and closing embassies.
Usage
- Typically appears in political and news contexts rather than everyday conversation.
- Often paired with する to function verbally: 国交を断絶する (to sever diplomatic relations).
- Contrasts with lesser measures such as recalling an ambassador for consultations, downgrading relations, or imposing sanctions — 国交断絶 is the most severe diplomatic step.
- Citizens of the countries involved may lose consular protection after severance, so the term often appears alongside 在留邦人 (Japanese nationals abroad) in news reports.
Common collocations
- 国交断絶を宣言する: to declare the severance of diplomatic relations
- 国交断絶に踏み切る: to go ahead with severing diplomatic relations
- 国交断絶も辞さない: to be prepared even to sever ties
- 国交断絶の危機: a crisis of severed relations
- 国交断絶状態: a state of severed diplomatic relations
Similar words
- 国交回復: restoration of diplomatic relations — the opposite action
- 国交樹立: establishing diplomatic relations — setting up ties for the first time
- 断交: severance of relations — a shorter, more formal synonym
- 経済制裁: economic sanctions — a less drastic alternative
- 大使召還: recall of an ambassador — a step below full severance
Related Words
Compare:
断交 (severance of relations)