India, Nov. 23 -- The rapidly deteriorating diplomatic row between Japan and China over a potential "Taiwan contingency" is an important precursor of how China may react to countries and leaders that express opinions deemed unfavourable by Beijing in the years to come.

As China's power grows, along with its ambitions regarding Taiwan, Beijing is increasingly intolerant of regional powers that openly support Taiwan. This growing assertiveness coincides with diminishing confidence in American security assistance for Taiwan, creating a sense of insecurity among China's neighbours. As China rapidly establishes its position on the world stage, the implications of the Tokyo-Beijing diplomatic row could have implications far beyond Japan, poten...