Tensions spiraled on Nov. 8, when Takaichi said that a Chinese attempt to seize Taiwan by force would constitute a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan.

An off-the-cuff remark by new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi that triggered Japan's biggest bust-up in years with powerful neighbour China was not meant to signal a new hardline stance.

Japan is mounting a broad diplomatic effort to ease tensions with China after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s comments on Taiwan sparked a sharp backlash from Beijing that raised fears of a breakdown in economic ties.

Beijing is flexing its military and economic might to show its displeasure with the Japanese leader’s comments about defending Taiwan. But its aggressive approach risks backfiring.

Tokyo aims to calm diplomatic row triggered by remarks on island by Japanese Premier Sanae Takaichi - Anadolu Ajansı

Tokyo's foreign envoy has reportedly left the Chinese foreign ministry building in Beijing without responding to questions from the media. Masaaki Kanai had met his Chinese counterpart Liu Jinsong to lay out Tokyo's position on Taiwan.