Japan has advised its citizens in China to increase safety measures and avoid crowded areas due to escalating tensions between the two largest Asian economies over Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on Taiwan. Takaichi caused a significant diplomatic conflict by suggesting that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could trigger a military response from Japan.
The disagreement could negatively impact Japan’s economy as Beijing has advised its citizens against traveling to Japan, with Chinese tourists constituting a significant portion of visitors to Japan. Consequently, tourism-related stocks in Japan experienced a sharp decline following this news.
Several Chinese airlines, including Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines, have offered refunds for routes to Japan until the end of December. Additionally, Sichuan Airlines has postponed plans for a Chengdu-Sapporo route until at least March.
Efforts to ease tensions were made as a senior Japanese official met with his counterpart in Beijing, although a resolution did not seem imminent. Takaichi’s statements diverged from those of her predecessors, highlighting a more assertive stance on potential responses to Chinese actions against Taiwan.
Beijing regards Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to assert control, a claim rejected by Taiwan’s government. The Chinese Foreign Ministry urged Takaichi to retract her comments, but Japan reiterated its stance on peaceful resolution through dialogue.
In response to escalating rhetoric, the Japanese embassy in China reminded its citizens to be cautious, respect local customs, and avoid traveling alone. The diplomatic conflict has also impacted cultural exchanges, with the suspension of the screening of Japanese films in China.
The economic repercussions of the dispute are significant, particularly concerning Japan’s reliance on China for critical minerals. Japan’s economic security minister emphasized the risks of economic dependence on countries resorting to coercion. The heads of Japan’s business federations urged dialogue to address the diplomatic tensions.
The dispute highlights the strategic importance of Taiwan in regional geopolitics, with Japan’s proximity and trade interests adding complexity to the situation. The United States reaffirmed its commitment to defending Japan, including territories like the Senkaku Islands, amidst Chinese incursions in the region.
Tensions remain high as diplomatic exchanges and public statements continue between the involved parties. The situation underscores the delicate balance of power and interests in the Asia-Pacific region.