China and Japan are staring each other down like never before and one phrase from Tokyo has just raised the temperature across Asia. Japan’s prime minister has invoked a term that rarely enters public debate: a “survival-threatening situation.

Tension between Japan and China has escalated over the new Japanese leader's suggestion Tokyo could intervene militarily if Beijing attacks Taiwan.

Withdrawal follows PM Takaichi’s Taiwan comments, prompting Beijing to issue warnings and cancel exchange events.

Japan has warned its citizens in China to step up safety precautions and avoid crowded places amid a deepening dispute between Asia's two largest economies over Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's comments on Taiwan.

China has intensified its economic pressure on Japan, with state-owned enterprises banning employees from travelling to its Asian neighbour, tour groups and a flagship forum being cancelled and Japanese film releases suspended.