Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi recently stated she’s “always open” to dialogue with China, even as diplomatic tensions continue to simmer. Her statement comes after a period of heightened friction, sparked by her comments in November suggesting Japan might intervene militarily if China were to attack Taiwan. Beijing, which claims the self-ruled democratic island as part of its territory and has threatened force, reacted sharply to these remarks.
The diplomatic spat has had tangible consequences. China urged its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan, and official data shows this warning is taking its toll. Last month, arrivals from mainland China saw a mere three percent increase from a year earlier – the weakest growth since January 2022. This is a significant drop compared to previous months, which consistently saw double-digit growth in Chinese visitor numbers.
Despite the dip in Chinese tourists, Japan’s overall tourism sector remains robust, with visitors from other countries helping to offset some of the decline. However, Chinese tourists are a major economic driver, accounting for a quarter of all foreign visitors and spending significantly more on average. Japanese businesses are keenly aware of this, with many hoping for a quick resolution to the diplomatic row.
Adding to the complexities, a recent incident saw Chinese military aircraft lock radar onto Japanese jets, further escalating tensions. Despite these challenges, PM Takaichi reiterates that China is an important neighbor and building constructive, stable relationships is paramount. Japan, she affirms, remains committed to open dialogue, not shutting its door to conversation.
Source: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/japan-pm-takaichi-china-dialogue-5623496
