Chinese Travellers Cancel Massive Number of Japan Trips Amid Rising Diplomatic Tensions

Hundreds of thousands of Chinese travellers have cancelled flights to Japan after a diplomatic dispute escalated over remarks by Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi about Taiwan. Her comments, suggesting Japan could take military action if China attempted to invade Taiwan, triggered strong condemnation from Beijing and prompted a wave of travel, cultural, and commercial disruptions.
At least seven major Chinese airlines have begun offering free cancellations, with analysts estimating that around 500,000 tickets to Japan were cancelled between 15 and 17 November. Some airlines, including Sichuan Airlines and Spring Airlines, have suspended or reduced planned Japan routes. Travel agencies in China have also halted visa processing for individual trips to Japan.
China is Japan’s second-largest source of tourists, and Chinese students make up a significant portion of Japan’s international student population. Japanese business and tourism stocks fell sharply in response to the cancellations. Cultural exchanges have also been affected, with film releases postponed and cross-cultural events suspended.
Japan has sent a senior diplomat to Beijing in an attempt to ease tensions, but Prime Minister Takaichi has refused to retract her comments, despite Beijing’s demands. The Japanese government maintains that its longstanding policy on Taiwan has not changed.
Meanwhile, Japan has advised its citizens in China to exercise heightened caution due to rising anti-Japanese sentiment amplified by Chinese state media. China says it will continue to ensure the safety of foreign nationals in the country.