China and Japan in escalating spat over Taiwan: What to know

Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi had suggested Tokyo could take military action if Beijing attacked Taiwan.

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China and Japan have been locked in an escalating war of words this week, set off by Takaichi's suggestion that Japan could respond with its own self-defence force if China attacked Taiwan.

Both countries' foreign ministries have lodged serious protests with each other. A Chinese diplomat also made a comment which some interpreted as a threat to behead Takaichi.

The spat touches on the historical animosity between China and Japan, as well as longstanding "strategic ambiguity" on the sovereignty of self-governed Taiwan.

Here's what else you need to know about it: