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.

A whopping $9.59 billion and counting… That’s the estimated loss that Japan is looking to incur as China’s tourists cancel their visits amid the growing feud between the two nations. And it’s not just the Japanese tourism industry that is set to hurt;

Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi has infuriated China with her recent remarks, with no clear means of resolution.

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.

As China reportedly mulls a ban on Japanese seafood amid a standoff between the Asian neighbors, Taiwan's leader shows support for Tokyo, with his lunch.

Tensions spiraled on Nov. 8, when Takaichi said that a Chinese attempt to seize Taiwan by force would constitute a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan.

Recent tensions erupted after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested Tokyo might take military action if Beijing invaded Taiwan.

Japan-China trade tensions escalate as reports suggest Beijing may halt Japanese seafood imports, potentially linked to the Fukushima wastewater release. This follows earlier bans and a recent resumption of some trade.

Beijing warns Tokyo to “maintain self-respect” after Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi’s comments on possible military involvement in Taiwan trigger diplomatic fallout and disrupt China-Japan-ROK engagements.