Japan’s diplomatic row with China has widened into a full regional flashpoint, drawing in Washington and prompting strong words from both sides. As Beijing rolls out economic restrictions and hardens its language, the US has publicly aligned itself with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, signalling an unusually direct message of solidarity, the Financial Times reported.

How the diplomatic dispute erupted

The confrontation began after the remarks Takaichi made in parliament earlier this month. In response to a question on November 7, she suggested that, in theory, a Chinese military attack on Taiwan could compel Japan to respond militarily. While Japanese leaders have avoided such explicit statements for decades, her comments reflected growing concerns in Tokyo about regional security and Chi

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