China to block Japanese seafood

Images of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te holding a plate of sushi were posted on social media yesterday in a show of support for Tokyo after reports that China will halt Japanese seafood imports.

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The row between Japan and China was triggered by new Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggesting this month that Tokyo could intervene militarily in any attack on Taiwan.

China claims democratic Taiwan as part of its territory and has threatened to use force to bring the self-ruled island under its control.

Lai, an outspoken defender of Taiwan's sovereignty and detested by China, has accused Beijing of "severely" affecting regional peace in the escalating spat.

A photo of a smiling Lai holding a plate of sushi was posted on his Facebook page on Thursday.