China and Japan are two of Asia’s most powerful nations and the region’s biggest trading partners. Yet centuries of intense rivalry mean their economic embrace can never be taken for granted.

The remarks come amid the two countries’ worst diplomatic crisis in years, after the Japanese prime minister said a Chinese attack on Taiwan could trigger a military response from Tokyo.

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.

From Hong Kong to Shanghai, a mix of online voices are clamouring to denounce Singapore. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Tension between Japan and China has escalated over the new Japanese leader's suggestion Tokyo could intervene militarily if Beijing attacks Taiwan.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi says Japan has "crossed a red line” with comments by the country's new leader suggesting a potential military intervention over Taiwan.