China launched an investigation into a chemical gas used in making semiconductors, a day after it imposed curbs on the export of so-called dual-use goods that could be used by Japan’s military.

China’s access to Japan’s coveted industrial-use goods – especially a critical chipmaking ingredient – may face hurdles if Tokyo imposes export restrictions in the event of a prolonged political dispute,

Tensions are rising in Japan-China relations over Taiwan. It started with Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s statement to the Diet on November 7, 2025, in which she indicated that Japan could exercise its right of collective self-defense to mobilize the Self-Defense Forces if China used military force against Taiwan.

TAIPEI: A China-born Japanese lawmaker sanctioned by Beijing arrived in Taipei on Tuesday (Jan 6), vowing to tell the world that "Taiwan is an independent country".Hei Seki, a member of Japan's parliament,

Tensions between Tokyo and Beijing remain high after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed support for Taiwan in November 2025. Social media posts shared fabricated images of signboards at Japan's Narita International Airport that appear to direct travellers from "Taiwan" and "China" to separate lanes for immigration clearance,

Japanese forces tracked Chinese ships and aircraft transiting through Japan’s southwest region during the same period, while the People’s Liberation Army was carrying out its “Justice Mission 2025” drills around Taiwan from Dec.

Seki studied philosophy at Peking University before moving to Japan in 1988, where he attended graduate school at Kobe University, earning a doctorate in cultural studies. Later, he was a university lecturer, political commentator and author of Japanese-language books, including one on “why I abandoned China.”

The measures target only our country and deviate significantly from international practice,” Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara reportedly said. “We intend to carefully examine and analyse the details and consider necessary responses.