From earthquake warnings to bear attack alerts, Beijing is deploying a campaign of exaggeration and disinformation to punish Tokyo’s support for Taiwan.

The seizure of the trawler, which Japan said was sailing in its waters in the East China Sea, is likely to add to tensions between Tokyo and Beijing.

Sanae Takaichi, who has proved popular as the first woman to lead Japan as prime minister, was on course for a sweeping mandate after a snap election on Sunday.

As Japan and China feud, an animal long used in Chinese diplomacy has been summoned back home.