China-Japan diplomatic row: What’s driving Beijing’s anger - and why this time is different

Mădălin Mihai

From China’s point of view, the Japanese Prime Minister’s remarks on Taiwan test a red line - a trigger that sets this dispute apart from past flare-ups, analysts say. BEIJING: China’s sharp pushback against Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s comments on Taiwan may point to deeper concerns, analysts say, in a reaction that goes beyond routine diplomatic theatre. They believe Beijing views the remarks not as an off-hand comment but as testing a “red line” over Taiwan and advancing what it