All official exchanges between Hong Kong and Japan should respect the dignity of the Chinese nation and align with the interests of Hongkongers, the city leader has said as he questioned the effectiveness of such interactions amid a diplomatic dispute between Beijing and Tokyo.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu made the remarks on Monday after it was reported that the administration had called off several exchanges with the Japanese consulate general in Hong Kong and postponed discussions.

It marked the first time a Hong Kong official has publicly responded to escalating tensions between Beijing and Tokyo after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested that her country might consider military action if an attempt was made to invade or blockade Taiwan.

Observers said official exchanges were expected to stop, with some non-government cultural and educational activities held discreetly. They added that business links with Japan would continue unless a citywide boycott emerged.

Lee reaffirmed support for China’s foreign policy and said his administration would continue to monitor the country’s diplomatic position and actions in relation to Japan.

“The extremely erroneous remarks [from the Japanese leader] have severely deteriorated the atmosphere for exchanges between China and Japan. It makes us doubt the effectiveness of many exchanges. We will closely monitor the developments,” he said.