China and Japan are two of Asia’s most powerful nations and the region’s biggest trading partners. Yet centuries of intense rivalry mean their economic embrace can never be taken for granted.

China is trying to impose economic costs on Japan for wading into the issue of Taiwan. But experts say the escalating dispute could ultimately hurt China too.

An expert on Japanese business in China says the commercial impact of the current Japan-China row may persist for some time. He says concerted efforts to promote exchange are needed to improve the situation.

Japan and China recently agreed to cooperate more economically. Now, climbing tensions are threatening that cooperation.

HONG KONG -- China will suspend imports of Japanese seafood, according to ABC News partner NHK, escalating a diplomatic dispute triggered by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent comments suggesting Tokyo could take military action if China attacks Taiwan.

A Japanese official blasted China’s claims that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has altered Japan’s position on a Taiwan crisis as “entirely baseless,” calling for more dialogue to stop ties between Asia’s top economies spiraling.

The diplomatic row triggered by Japanese prime minister Takaichi’s provocative remarks on Taiwan on November 7, far from subsiding, has escalated with mounting economic repercussions.

Japan's intention to deploy offensive weapons near China's Taiwan region requires high vigilance from the international community, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday.