Japan has issued a warning to its citizens in China to increase safety measures and avoid crowded areas amidst escalating tensions between the two largest economies in Asia over comments made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan.
The conflict arose when Takaichi stated to Japanese lawmakers that a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan, posing a threat to Japan’s survival, could lead to a military response, sparking a significant diplomatic clash.
The dispute has the potential to impact Japan’s economy, as Beijing has advised its citizens against traveling to Japan. Chinese tourists constitute almost a quarter of all visitors to Japan, according to official data, resulting in a sharp decline in tourism-related stocks in Japan.
Several Chinese airlines, including Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines, have offered refunds on routes to Japan until December 31. Additionally, Sichuan Airlines has halted plans for a Chengdu-Sapporo route at least until March, as reported by state media.
Efforts to de-escalate the tension were made as a senior Japanese official met with his counterpart in Beijing, although a resolution was not immediately in sight.
Takaichi’s remarks, made on November 7 to a parliamentary committee, were more assertive than those of her predecessors. While previous prime ministers have expressed concerns about China’s stance on Taiwan, they refrained from publicly outlining Japan’s potential response.
The Chinese government claims sovereignty over Taiwan, a democratic entity, and has not ruled out using force to assert control, a position rejected by Taiwan’s government.
In response to Beijing’s request for Takaichi to retract her statements, Japan’s top government spokesperson, Minoru Kihara, indicated that Tokyo had no intention to do so. Kihara reiterated the government’s stance, emphasizing the preference for a peaceful resolution through dialogue concerning Taiwan.
Amid the escalating rhetoric, China’s official news agency, Xinhua, accused Takaichi of resurrecting Japan’s militaristic past, prompting Tokyo to issue a cautionary advisory to its citizens in China to exercise discretion and respect local customs.
The diplomatic fallout has extended to the entertainment sector, with film distributors in China suspending screenings of Japanese movies like “Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: Super Hot! Scorching Kasukabe Dancers” and “Cells at Work!” due to deteriorating sentiment.
Apart from the tourism sector, Japan’s reliance on China for critical mineral supplies poses economic risks, as highlighted by Japan’s economic security minister Kimi Onoda. The minister emphasized the dangers of economic dependence on a country resorting to economic coercion in response to disagreements.
As tensions persist, calls for dialogue have emerged from Japan’s business community, emphasizing the importance of resolving the diplomatic dispute through peaceful means.
The proximity of Taiwan to Japanese territory and the strategic sea routes it offers are critical considerations for Japan, which also hosts the largest U.S. military presence overseas. The U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to defending Japan, including the disputed islands in the East China Sea, against any potential threats.
Amid the escalating rhetoric, the U.S. ambassador to Japan, George Glass, reiterated America’s commitment to Japan’s defense, dismissing Chinese criticism of his remarks as a political maneuver with hidden intentions.