TOKYO/BEIJING >> Japan criticized a Chinese diplomat today 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.

Beijing defended the “personal post” made by the envoy in an escalating war of words with Japan’s new hardline leader that threatens to strain relations between the historic rivals after a period of relative calm.

The U.S. ambassador to Tokyo also weighed in, saying China’s Consul General in Osaka, Xue Jian, had threatened Takaichi. In a post on X on Saturday, Xue shared a news article about Takaichi’s remarks about Taiwan and commented, “the dirty neck that sticks itself in must be cut off”. The post was later deleted.

Japan’s Chief Cabinet

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