Less than a month into her term, Japan's conservative leader has stirred tensions with China by suggesting a Chinese move against Taiwan could prompt a Japanese military response.

A BRAND new Chinese aircraft carrier has strengthened Xi Jinping’s hand just as a row has erupted over the future of Taiwan. The aircraft carrier known as ‘Fujian’ was flown out

Her recent comments do not represent a new commitment for Japan to defend Taiwan – or a departure from previous policy.

TOKYO -- China tensions triggered by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent comment on a potential crisis in Taiwan remain high, but two related issues -- Japan acting alongside U.S. forces and its exercise of collective self-defense rights in defending the island -- need to be considered separately, former officials say.

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.

The Japanese prime minister’s comments about military intervention were unusually direct for such a sensitive topic.

Japan and China are facing off in an angry spat over the status of Taiwan – part of China for Beijing, an independent and friendly state for Tokyo.

Tourism-related Japanese stocks plunged on Monday after China warned its citizens against travel to its North Asian neighbour following a widening diplomatic rift over Taiwan.