Japan Asks China to Temper Taiwan Row Response
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The leader of Japan's main opposition party on Sunday criticized Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for what he described as "rather rash" remarks about Japan's response to a Taiwan contingency, as the comments have grown into a bilateral diplomatic spat.
The Japanese public is divided over exercising collective self-defense against a Chinese attack on Taiwan. A recent poll shows mixed opinions, while Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi aims to boost defense spending.
5hon MSN
Chinese coast guard conducts patrol through disputed Senkaku Islands waters following Taiwan spat
China escalates Senkaku Islands dispute with patrol ships after Japan's new PM defends Taiwan independence, sparking diplomatic crisis and threats.
BEIJING—Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi continued to be buffeted by verbal attacks by the administration of Chinese President Xi Jinping a week after suggesting that Japan would provide support for Taiwan in the event of a Chinese naval blockade.
The Japanese prime minister’s comments about military intervention were unusually direct for such a sensitive topic.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told lawmakers a conflict over Taiwan could constitute a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan.