Withdrawal follows PM Takaichi’s Taiwan comments, prompting Beijing to issue warnings and cancel exchange events.

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi raises her hand to answer a question during a session of the House of Councillors Budget Committee at the National Diet in Tokyo, Japan on No

China’s main state newspaper has sharply criticized Japan after recent comments made in Tokyo’s parliament about Taiwan. According to the paper, Japan is “trying to revive wartime militarism,” a claim that has quickly intensified Japan Taiwan tensions between the two Asian neighbors.

Takaichi’s remarks stirred a firestorm, but her later clarifications highlight the limits on Japan’s involvement in a Taiwan crisis.

The Japanese prime minister’s comments about military intervention were unusually direct for such a sensitive topic.

Japan criticised a Chinese diplomat on Monday for "extremely inappropriate" remarks seemingly directed at Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, after she suggested that Tokyo could take military action if Beijing attacked neighbouring Taiwan.

China escalates Senkaku Islands dispute with patrol ships after Japan's new PM defends Taiwan independence, sparking diplomatic crisis and threats.

Tension between Japan and China has escalated over the new Japanese leader's suggestion Tokyo could intervene militarily if Beijing attacks Taiwan.