Overview
- In Beijing, Chinese diplomat Liu Jinsong said he was dissatisfied after talks with Japan’s Asia chief Masaaki Kanai and lodged a strong protest over the prime minister’s remarks.
- Tokyo has declined to withdraw Sanae Takaichi’s statement, with Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara saying it does not alter Japan’s position and that dialogue channels remain open.
- China urged its citizens to avoid travel to Japan, leading major airlines to offer refunds and triggering widespread cancellations, while distributors delayed some Japanese film releases.
- Japan’s embassy in Beijing warned its nationals to avoid crowds and stay vigilant, as China’s foreign ministry said it protects the safety of foreigners in accordance with the law.
- Security frictions continued, with Chinese coast guard patrols near the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands and a suspected Chinese drone flight near Yonaguni that prompted a Japanese fighter scramble.