ASIATODAY.ID, TOKYO – Tensions between Japan and China are intensifying after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on potential military involvement should a Taiwan crisis erupt.
What began as a political dispute is now spreading into economic, cultural, and people-to-people spheres, prompting both governments to issue warnings and recalibrate their diplomatic strategies.
Japan is attempting to dial down the tension. Masaaki Kanai, Director-General of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau at Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, met with his Chinese counterpart Liu Jinsong in Beijing this week.
Kanai reiterated that Japan’s stance on Taiwan remains unchanged despite the new administration in Tokyo.
This diplomatic outreach, however, is accompanied by caution. The Japanese Embassy in Beijing has urged its citizens to stay vigilant, avoid crowded areas, and be mindful when interacting with locals. The advisory follows local Chinese media coverage that has stoked public sentiment against Japan.
Beijing, meanwhile, is increasing political pressure. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning declared that Takaichi’s “wrongful remarks” had damaged the foundation of China–Japan relations.
She also confirmed that Premier Li Qiang will not meet Takaichi at the upcoming G20 Summit in South Africa.
Tensions escalated further after a threatening social media post by China’s consul general in Osaka, Xue Jian, which was later deleted. Tokyo responded by summoning the Chinese ambassador to lodge a formal protest.
Economic Fallout Hits Tourism and Markets
China’s warning urging its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan has already rattled Tokyo’s markets. Tourism and retail stocks tumbled, and around 500,000 flight bookings from China to Japan have reportedly been canceled since November 15.
Chinese and Hong Kong tourists accounted for 26% of Japan’s total arrivals in 2024. A decline similar to the 2012 downturn—triggered by the Senkaku Islands dispute—could slash tourist spending by ¥1.79 trillion (US$11.5 billion) and shave 0.29% off Japan’s annual GDP, according to the Nomura Research Institute.
Cultural Sector Caught in the Crossfire
The cultural industry is also feeling the pinch. China has postponed the release of two Japanese films—Crayon Shin-chan: Super Hot! The Spicy Kasukabe Dancers and Cells at Work!—citing deteriorating public sentiment. The cancellations are expected to impact future imports and distribution of Japanese entertainment content in China.
Tokyo Pushes for De-escalation
During talks in Beijing, Kanai dismissed China’s justification for its travel warning and stressed that Japan’s domestic security remains stable. He urged Beijing to exercise restraint and prevent further escalation.
Prime Minister Takaichi, who has long been critical of China’s military posture, recently stated that a Chinese naval blockade around Taiwan could constitute an “existential threat” to Japan—one of the few scenarios under which Japan is allowed to take military action.
As Asia’s two largest economies navigate one of their most volatile periods in recent years, analysts warn that diplomatic maneuvering in the coming days will be crucial in determining whether relations stabilize or continue to deteriorate. (Japan Times)
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