As row with Japan escalates, China vows to 'protect safety of foreigners'

The row began after newly elected Japanese PM told lawmakers that a Chinese attack on Taiwan threatening Japan's survival could trigger a military response.

Beijing on Tuesday vowed to "protect the safety" of foreigners in China after Tokyo warned Japanese visitors to be careful in the country amid a diplomatic row.

Beijing on Tuesday vowed to "protect the safety" of foreigners in China after Tokyo warned Japanese visitors to be careful in the country amid a diplomatic row. (REUTERS)

The spat between China and Japan was ignited by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's suggestion that Tokyo could intervene militarily in any attack on Taiwan.

China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to take the democratic island, reacted furiously to Takaichi's comments.

Asked about the warning to Japanese visitors, foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said the "Chinese government has always and will continue to protect the safety of foreign citizens in China in accordance with the law".

The comments came as Masaaki Kanai, the top official in Japan's foreign ministry for Asia-Pacific affairs, held talks in Beijing with his Chinese counterpart Liu Jinsong over Takaichi's comments.

Mao said Beijing had reiterated a "strong protest" with Tokyo in the discussions.

"During the consultations, China once again lodged a strong protest with Japan regarding Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's erroneous remarks concerning China," Mao said.

AFP journalists saw Takaichi leave Beijing's Ministry of Foreign Affairs after the talks with Liu shortly before 2:00 pm (0600 GMT) on Tuesday.