PM Sanae Takaichi broke years of precedent by hinting that Japan could provide military support for Taiwan under certain “worst-case” scenarios such as a Chinese attack.

Taiwan was occupied by Japan after Tokyo waged war against China in 1894. The occupation lasted for half a century. On Oct 25, 1945, a ceremony to accept Japan's surrender in the Taiwan province of the China war theater of the Allied powers was held in Taipei.

Chinese Type 055 destroyer among vessels to transit Osumi Strait on Tuesday, days after Beijing criticised PM: Japanese defence ministry.

Beijing has erupted in fury after Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi hinted that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could trigger Tokyo’s military response. China summoned Japan’s ambassador, accused Tokyo of “revived militarism,

Both countries have summoned each other’s ambassadors after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said a Chinese attack on Taiwan could draw a military response from Tokyo.