The diplomatic row over comments on Taiwan has evolved from a war of words to Beijing advising its citizens against travelling and studying abroad in Japan.

The backlash follows Takaichi's comments at a Diet meeting, where Takaichi told lawmakers that any use of military force by the Chinese mainland against Taiwan could be considered a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan. It's the first time that a Japanese leader publicly suggested the possibility of military intervention in the Taiwan Strait.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi angered Beijing by saying that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could be a “survival-threatening situation” and bring a military response from Tokyo.

Taiwan is watching anxiously as it finds itself at the centre of a verbal clash between Beijing and Tokyo, fuelling fears that Taipei could be drawn into a major international conflict. The escalating row erupted after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated a Taiwan crisis could be a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan,

TOKYO -- China tensions triggered by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent comment on a potential crisis in Taiwan remain high, but two related issues -- Japan acting alongside U.S. forces and its exercise of collective self-defense rights in defending the island -- need to be considered separately, former officials say.

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

China has responded to comments by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan about Taiwan with economic reprisal and island patrols.

The Japanese public is divided over exercising collective self-defense against a Chinese attack on Taiwan. A recent poll shows mixed opinions, while Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi aims to boost defense spending.