Here's how Japan's PM found herself in a diplomatic spat with China over Taiwan

Japan and China have had testy relations for a long time, but now they've worsened.

Comments from Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi last week about a possible attack by Beijing on Taiwan have sparked a furious response from Chinese officials.

One Chinese diplomat threatened to "cut off that dirty neck", in an apparent reference to Japan's leader.

With both sides unhappy and lodging complaints, here is what we know about Takaichi's remarks, their significance, Japan's position on Taiwan and the resulting furore.

What did Takaichi say?

Before taking power last month, Takaichi, an acolyte of ex-leader Shinzo Abe, was a vocal critic of China and its military build-up in the Asia-Pacific.

She has been a regular at a shrine that honours Japan's war dead, including those guilty of crime