Why Did China Reacted Sharply To Japan PM Sanae Takaichi's India Visit?

China has strongly criticised India and Japan's renewed commitment to a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's visit to New Delhi. Beijing warned that bilateral cooperation should not target any third country, while Chinese Foreign Ministry spokespersons Guo Jiakun and Yu Jing dismissed the Indo-Pacific concept as contrary to regional aspirations.But why did China react so quickly? This explainer examines the strategic significance of the India-Japan partnership, Tokyo's evolving security strategy, the importance of the Free and Open Indo-Pacific, India's role in balancing power in Asia, and why Beijing views closer India-Japan ties with growing concern.