China claims the self-governing island of Taiwan as its own and hasn’t ruled out taking it by force. Beijing’s apoplectic response to Takaichi’s perceived intervention in China’s affairs has included intense personal attacks on the new prime minister, often linking her with the militarism that fueled Japan’s brutal conduct in World War II.

China is trying to impose economic costs on Japan for wading into the issue of Taiwan. But experts say the escalating dispute could ultimately hurt China too.

Tensions spiraled on Nov. 8, when Takaichi said that a Chinese attempt to seize Taiwan by force would constitute a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan.

Japan's new leader prime triggered the dispute by saying Japan could intervene in a confrontation between China and Taiwan.

President Donald Trump says he will visit Beijing in April and host China’s President Xi Jinping for a state visit later next year.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Chinese Premier Li Qiang did not exchange words during the Group of 20 summit in So

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