Japan has advised its citizens in China to increase safety measures and steer clear of crowded areas amid escalating tensions between the two largest Asian economies over Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s statements regarding Taiwan. Takaichi triggered a significant diplomatic conflict by suggesting that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could lead to a military response from Japan, causing concerns about potential economic repercussions for Japan as Beijing discouraged its citizens from traveling to Japan, where Chinese tourists make up a substantial portion of visitors.
In response to the situation, several Chinese airlines, including Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines, have offered refunds for flights to Japan until the end of December. Sichuan Airlines has also postponed the launch of its Chengdu-Sapporo route until at least March. Despite efforts by senior officials from both countries to ease tensions during a meeting in Beijing, no immediate resolution seems likely.
Takaichi’s comments, made during a parliamentary committee session, were more direct than those of her predecessors. While previous Japanese prime ministers expressed concerns about China’s actions towards Taiwan, they did not publicly outline potential military responses like Takaichi did. China claims sovereignty over Taiwan, a democratic nation that rejects Beijing’s claims and fears any potential use of force to take control.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry called for Takaichi to retract her remarks, but Japan’s government spokesperson indicated that Tokyo had no intention of doing so, maintaining the stance that issues related to Taiwan should be resolved peacefully through dialogue. The escalating tensions led to a Chinese diplomat making threatening remarks on social media, drawing condemnation from Tokyo.
In light of the situation, Japan’s embassy in China advised its citizens to be cautious, respect local customs, and avoid traveling alone in China. The diplomatic row has also affected trade relations and cultural exchanges, with film distributors in China suspending the screening of Japanese movies. Additionally, Japan’s heavy reliance on China for critical minerals used in various industries has raised concerns about economic vulnerabilities.
Despite the challenges, business federations in Japan have called for dialogue to address the diplomatic tensions. The proximity of Taiwan to Japanese territory and the strategic importance of the sea routes around it underscore the significance of the situation for Japan’s trade and security. The involvement of the United States, which reaffirmed its commitment to defending Japan in the face of territorial disputes, adds another layer of complexity to the regional dynamics.