A spat between China and Japan over Japanese Premier Sanae Takaichi's Taiwan comments showed no signs of abating on Wednesday after a series of vitriolic articles in Chinese state media and calls in Tokyo to expel a Chinese diplomat.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi isn't shying away from the hot button issue of Taiwan that her predecessors tread lightly on, citing a condition for Japan to provide support in exercising its right of collective self-defense.

The prime minister’s remarks illustrate the gradual evolution of Japan’s relationship with Taiwan and its growing concern over China.

Takayuki Kobayashi, the ruling party's policy chief, urged the government on Tuesday to expel Xue if Beijing showed no effort to resolve the situation. Prominent opposition lawmaker Kenta Izumi also called for Xue's quick expulsion.

Concerns are growing in Japan over the foreign policy direction of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the first sitting Japanese leader to publicly suggest that Japan would exercise its right to self-defense in the event of a Taiwan contingency.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told lawmakers a conflict over Taiwan could constitute a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan.

Last week, President Donald Trump concluded a trip to East Asia, meeting with several allies, including new Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The Trump administration... Read More