China is cranking up its war of words over Taiwan: It just slapped an iconic Japanese retailer with a 30,000 fine for describing it as a country

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China fined the Japanese retailer Muji 31,280 for describing Taiwan as a country.

Taiwan was listed as the "country of origin" on the packaging for 119 clothes hangers last year.

This is the most serious action from China in the country's escalating war of words over how Taiwan is officially recognized. Beijing considers it to be a province of China, not an independent country.

So far this year, China has ordered Marriott to shut its website for a week for listing Taiwan as a country, and a number of airlines have kowtowed to China's description of Taiwan.

China fined iconic Japanese retailer Muji over 30,000 for describing Taiwan as a country on its packaging.

The Shanghai Administration for Industry and Commerce fined the minimalist retailer 200,000 yuan 31,280 for listing Taiwan as the "country of origin" on 119 clothes hangers it imported in August last year.See the rest of the story at Business InsiderNOW WATCH: Mark Cuban and Barbara Corcoran invested 400,000 in this avocado-only restaurantSee Also:Australia's postal service opened a store whose only customers are personal shoppers for Chinese buyersWe compared Meghan Markle's and Kate Middleton's fashion choices and the winner is clearThe Steve Jobs guide to manipulating people and getting what you wantSEE ALSO: China wants to dictate how foreign airlines refer to Taiwan and the US is having none of it this is how every major airline is responding

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