Japan tells China to show ‘respect’ in addressing PM

Tokyo has urged Beijing to demonstrate proper respect after a Chinese spokesman referred to Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi solely by her name during a news conference last month. The Japanese Foreign Ministry's ambassador, Toshihiro Kitamura, made the statement, asserting that Tokyo conveyed its apprehensions to Beijing following Guo Jiakun's remarks.

The matter has exacerbated an already strained relationship between the two Asian powers. Takaichi had previously proposed that Japan might meddle in a potential attack on Taiwan, a territory claimed by Beijing. While Kitamura did not directly address his counterpart's comments, he emphasized the importance of international protocol in maintaining respectful relations.

Japanese officials have recently endeavored to ease tensions with China through diplomatic visits. Takaichi acknowledged China as a vital neighbor in a recent speech and pledged to foster a stable relationship with the nation.