Japan and China have spent decades trying to stabilise a relationship shaped by deep historical wounds, intense economic interdependence and competing security interests. But the fragile balance between the two Asian powers has been thrown off again after a single parliamentary exchange in Tokyo about what Japan might do if China were to attack Taiwan.

The resulting diplomatic clash, including China’s latest advisory warning its citizens to avoid travelling to Japan , has made clear how sharply Beijing reacts to any public suggestion that Japan could intervene in a Taiwan crisis. The advisory is the most recent escalation in a week-long confrontation marked by online threats from Chinese officials, ambassador-level protests on both sides, and fierce statements from Beijing’s defence est

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