Tokyo has launched urgent diplomatic outreach as Beijing ramps up retaliation, media attacks, and travel warnings over Takaichi’s Taiwan comments

Her recent comments do not represent a new commitment for Japan to defend Taiwan – or a departure from previous policy.

TOKYO -- China tensions triggered by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent comment on a potential crisis in Taiwan remain high, but two related issues -- Japan acting alongside U.S. forces and its exercise of collective self-defense rights in defending the island -- need to be considered separately, former officials say.

Japan’s diplomatic rift with China has expanded into a sweeping economic and cultural freeze with Beijing halting Japanese seafood imports, suspending film releases, warning citizens against travel to Japan & signalling broader retaliation unless Tokyo retracts PM Sanae Takaichi’s recent remarks on Taiwan.

Amid an escalating row, China has warned of a hit to commerce with Japan, if Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi does not retract her remarks on Taiwan. Beijing has threatened to resume a ban on all Japanese seafood imports.

The Japanese public is divided over exercising collective self-defense against a Chinese attack on Taiwan. A recent poll shows mixed opinions, while Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi aims to boost defense spending.

Japan and China are facing off in an angry spat over the status of Taiwan – part of China for Beijing, an independent and friendly state for Tokyo.