Overview
- Japan’s Asia and Oceania bureau chief Masaaki Kanai is set to meet his Chinese counterpart Liu Jinsong to explain that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s comments do not mark a policy shift and to push for restraint, according to Japanese media.
- Beijing advised Chinese citizens to avoid travel to Japan and warned students about safety risks, while multiple airlines offered fee-free changes or refunds for Japan-bound tickets.
- Tourism and retail shares in Japan slid after the travel alert, with economists estimating losses that could reach roughly ¥2.2 trillion if Chinese arrivals drop sharply.
- China’s coast guard conducted a “rights enforcement” patrol near the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands and drones were reported near Japan’s Yonaguni, as Taiwan tracked a surge in Chinese aircraft and vessels around the island.
- Both governments summoned each other’s ambassadors after a now-deleted post by China’s Osaka consul general was condemned by Tokyo, and state media signaled potential sanctions as Takaichi defended her stance and Japan said its Taiwan policy remains unchanged.