Japan rejects US intel assessment that Takaichi's Taiwan remarks represent 'significant shift'

Takaichi had sparked a furious response from Beijing in November when she told parliament that a Chinese attempt to seize Taiwan by force could prompt the intervention of Japan's Self-Defense Forces. China responded by suspending imports of seafood and issuing travel advisories for its nationals not to travel to Japan, resulting in a sharp decline in Chinese tourist numbers to the country. The intelligence report, issued on March 18, said that Takaichi's characterization of a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan — as a "survival threatening situation" for Japan — carried weight. The term could open the door for Japan to...