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

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.

Japanese tourism and retail stocks fell on Monday after China warned its citizens not to travel to the country as Tokyo and Beijing remain locked in a row over Taiwan.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said a Chinese attack on Taiwan could constitute “a survival-threatening situation” for Japan, drawing sharp criticisms from Beijing.

Victim who is ‘slapped hard’ on the buttocks chases assailant, kicks him in the belly; police respond by saying there is nothing they can do.

Relations between Tokyo and Beijing have dramatically soured, with nationalist rhetoric in China and an apparent threat of beheading from one of its diplomats.

A diplomatic row between China and Japan has escalated after Chinese state media accused Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of “crossing the line” with Taiwan remarks, prompting calls in Tokyo to expel a Chinese diplomat.