China-Japan Standoff Over Taiwan Enters Dangerous Phase

• Japan-China relations have reached a new low, triggered by Japanese PM Takaichi's remarks linking a Chinese military move on Taiwan to a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan.
• China retaliated with diplomatic pressure, warnings against travel to Japan, reduced seafood imports, cancelled cultural events, and increased military presence near the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands.
• The diplomatic turmoil escalated to military confrontation, with Chinese military planes directing radars at Japanese fighter jets in early December.
• China's actions are expected to have a significant economic impact on Japan, while PM Takaichi maintains a hawkish stance, strengthening Japan's defense and US alliance.
• De-escalation is challenging due to Takaichi's firm position, China's increased power, limited diplomatic channels, and broader geopolitical shifts.

Why It Matters: Sino-Japanese tensions over Taiwan threaten regional stability and global security.