China has held off on congratulating Japan’s new prime minister nearly a week after her appointment, a break with precedent that sends alarm about the state of relations between the two countries.

China hawkSanae Takaichi, 64, took office on Tuesday, becoming the first woman prime minister in the country’s history and the fifth person to hold the office in five years.

She took over fromShigeru Ishiba, who was congratulated by both Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang on the day he assumed office in October last year.

Beijing also sent immediate congratulatory messages to former Japanese leader Fumio Kishida when he was elected in October 2021, and Yoshihide Suga when he took office in September 2020.

Asked on Thursday whether Beijing would congratulate Takaichi, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said: “China made proper arrangements according to diplomatic practices.”

“China and Japan are each other’s close neighbours. China’s fundamental position on its relations with Japan is consistent and clear,” Guo added.