Overview
- China suspended imports of Japanese seafood, scrapped a planned trilateral culture ministers’ meeting with South Korea, and warned of further measures unless Tokyo retracts the remark.
- Tokyo reaffirmed the 1972 one‑China framework and called the Diet comment hypothetical, but officials say the statement will not be withdrawn after talks in Beijing yielded no off‑ramp.
- People‑to‑people fallout escalated as Chinese travelers canceled more than 500,000 Japan trips, airlines offered refunds, students were urged to reassess study plans, and at least two Japanese films were pulled in China.
- Analysts warned of significant economic risks for Japan, including an estimated annual loss exceeding $14 billion from a China travel boycott and potential exposure in critical minerals and autos if pressure broadens.
- Military and diplomatic signaling intensified with Chinese coast guard patrols near the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, live‑fire drills announced in nearby waters, and no planned meeting between Takaichi and Premier Li Qiang at the G20.