Tokyo: Relations between Japan and China have entered a difficult phase after an unexpected comment by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sparked strong reactions from Beijing. The remark, made during her first major parliamentary session, suggested that Japan could respond militarily if China launched an attack on Taiwan. Japanese officials later said the comment was not part of a planned policy shift, but China has treated it as a serious provocation.

China quickly expressed its displeasure through a series of visible and symbolic actions. One Chinese official appeared at a recent meeting wearing a traditional five buttoned collarless suit linked to anti Japanese sentiment from the early twentieth century. The choice of clothing and the official’s body language were widely seen as deliberate signals of anger.

Beijing has also taken firmer steps, suspending imports of Japanese seafood and cutting several cultural and official exchanges. Travel from China to Japan is expected to fall as tensions rise. Officials in Tokyo say they cannot take back the comment, arguing that it did not change Japan’s long held policy toward Taiwan. However, the government has made it clear that it does not want a further breakdown in relations.

China considers Taiwan a core issue and opposes any foreign involvement. Japan, meanwhile, views stability around Taiwan as essential for its own security. Analysts say this gap is widening under the new government. Some expect a long period of strained relations unless both sides find a way to rebuild trust.

The tensions come at a sensitive time. China is Japan’s largest trading partner and controls much of the rare earth supply that Japanese industries rely on. A prolonged dispute could affect tourism, exports and supply chains. Taiwan’s president recently showed symbolic support for Japan by publicly eating sushi made with Japanese ingredients, a move that added another layer to the ongoing diplomatic drama.

For now, both sides appear to be holding their positions. With no meeting planned between Prime Minister Takaichi and China’s leaders, diplomats say it may take time before relations begin to warm again.