China Sanctions Japan's Shigeru Iwasaki

China imposed sanctions on Shigeru Iwasaki, former Joint Staff Chief of the Japan — Japan Self-Defense Forces, accusing him of 'colluding with Taiwan independence separatist forces'. The sanctions, effective immediately, include freezing Iwasaki's assets in China and banning his entry into China, Hong Kong, and Macao. This action follows Taiwan's appointment of Iwasaki as an official policy adviser and comes amid escalating friction between China and Japan, particularly after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks suggesting Japan's potential intervention in a Taiwan conflict. Beijing has condemned Takaichi's comments, issued travel warnings for Japan, and halted seafood imports from the country, further straining bilateral relations.