The escalating tensions between China and Japan have highlighted what some observers see as a deeper problem – the lack of stable communication channels.
The row started earlier this month when Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said a conflict in the Taiwan Strait might be a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan that would justify a military deployment.
Beijing’s retaliation came swiftly, including warnings against travel to Japan and blocks on seafood imports and film releases.
Tokyo has repeatedly said it was open to talks, but these efforts were met with a cold shoulder from Beijing.
The spat has also had an impact on the two countries’ relations with South Korea. Beijing has already postponed a three-way meeting between the countries’ culture ministers.
China also refused a proposal from Tokyo for a summit involving the three countries in January, according to Kyodo News.