Pigott's X post came as China, infuriated by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent remarks on Taiwan, ramps up pressure on Japan with the dispatch of coast guard vessels to waters near the uninhabited islets, travel warnings and moves to suspend imports of Japanese seafood.

China was already wary about Japan's new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, a renowned Beijing hawk, before she weighed in on one of its most sensitive issues: Taiwan. Now it's unleashing economic pain.

Investors are retreating from Japan’s retail-related shares after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on Taiwan renewed frictions between China and Japan, in a spat that shows little sign of easing.

Legislation passed in 2015 allows Japan’s government to use its military as part of a collective response to any “existential threat”, even if it is not directly attacked. A Chinese invasion of Taiwan would be a huge threat to Japan’s fundamental interests including its access to vital sea lanes,