PATTAYA, Thailand – Japan’s efforts to mend strained relations with China suffered a major setback this week as Chinese travelers rushed to cancel trips, while both governments engaged in increasingly tense exchanges. The disruption comes after comments by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggesting possible military involvement if Taiwan were attacked by China, a statement Beijing viewed as interference in its internal affairs.
High-level Japanese officials, including Masaaki Kanai, Director-General of Asia and Oceania at Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, visited Beijing on Tuesday (Nov 18) to try to ease tensions. However, talks with Liu Jin-song, Director-General of Asia at China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, yielded no progress, leaving the diplomatic rift unresolved.
In response, the Japanese Embassy in China issued a warning urging citizens to exercise heightened caution, avoid crowded areas, and travel in groups, especially when children are involved. Citizens were also advised to respect local customs and be mindful of their words and actions.
Meanwhile, China suspended the release of at least two Japanese films, and several Chinese airlines offered full refunds for flights to Japan. Reports indicate approximately 500,000 tickets have already been canceled by Chinese travelers, and airlines including Sichuan Airlines have postponed routes from Chengdu to Sapporo until at least March 2025.
The political dispute has also impacted markets: Tokyo stocks fell over 3% on Tuesday, with travel and retail shares seeing sharp declines following Monday’s losses. Japanese officials warned that economic reliance on countries using “economic coercion” carries risks not only for supply chains but also for tourism.
Thailand is keeping a close eye on the situation, aware that Chinese travelers seeking alternatives may redirect their trips to Southeast Asia, including Thai destinations. Authorities are monitoring potential spikes in bookings and preparing measures to accommodate returning tourists safely, while ensuring local tourism infrastructure can handle sudden demand.
Analysts and business leaders have called for urgent negotiations to resolve the diplomatic impasse. Despite Japan’s efforts to ease tensions, the fallout is already being felt in travel, cinema, and the broader economic relationship between the two Asian powers.
