The diplomatic rift between Beijing and Tokyo is also a test of Washington’s appetite for engagement with the region

A Japanese government report warns that the growing coordination between China, Russia, and North Korea could create a three-front security threat for Tokyo.

Facing reprisals from Beijing for a remark over Taiwan, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi must walk a fine line to prevent escalating the dispute without looking weak at home.

Tensions have flared after Japan said Chinese military action against Taiwan could allow Tokyo to exercise its right to collective self-defense - Anadolu Ajansı

Tensions are rising between China and Japan again over a dispute in the East China Sea. Such tensions are usually over the Senkaku Islands, an uninhabited chain administered by Japan but claimed by China. The current row, however, stems from international anxiety over a possible Chinese invasion of democratically ruled Taiwan.

HONG KONG -- China will suspend imports of Japanese seafood, according to ABC News partner NHK, escalating a diplomatic dispute triggered by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent comments suggesting Tokyo could take military action if China attacks Taiwan.

Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi has infuriated China with her recent remarks, with no clear means of resolution.

Japan is choosing short-term economic pain to reinforce its long-term strategic position Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Mr Xi reportedly told her that China was willing to “work with Japan to…advance the strategic, mutually beneficial relationship” (with the usual finger-wagging reference to Japan’s wartime “history of aggression”).

China has reacted strongly to Japan’s Prime Minister suggesting an attack on Taiwan could prompt Japan to militarily intervene.