Archive · 17 Nov 2025
Japan Sends Envoy to China Amidst Tourism Tensions Over Taiwan Remarks
Imagine two friends, Japan and China, who used to have lots of fun visitors from each other.
Recently, someone from Japan said something about a nearby island that made China upset.
Because China was unhappy, it told its friends not to visit Japan for a while.
This made some Japanese companies that make money from visitors, like souvenir shops and airlines, worry and their stock prices went down.
So, Japan sent a special helper to China to talk and try to fix the situation so everyone can be friends again and visitors can travel freely.
Japan has sent a senior foreign ministry official to China to de-escalate rising tourism tensions.
The tensions follow China's issuance of a travel advisory for its citizens planning to visit Japan.
Japanese tourism-exposed stocks experienced a significant slump following China's advisory.
The travel advisory was issued in response to comments made by Japanese official Sanae Takaichi regarding a potential Taiwan conflict.
Japan was the fourth most popular destination for Chinese travelers in early 2024, with around 7 million visitors.
- Who
- Japan (senior official Masaaki Kanai), China (official Liu Jinsong), tourism-exposed companies (Shiseido, Isetan Mitsukoshi, Oriental Land, ANA Holdings, Hankyu Hanshin Holdings)
- What
- Japan dispatched a senior foreign ministry official to China to ease tourism tensions following a travel advisory issued by China that led to a slump in Japanese tourism-related stocks.
- When
- Monday (dispatch announcement), Tuesday (expected meeting), Friday (China's travel advisory issued), earlier this month (Takaichi's remarks).
- Where
- Japan and China.
- Why
- China issued a travel advisory due to comments made by Japanese official Sanae Takaichi regarding the use of military force in a Taiwan conflict, which China considers an intervention in its internal affairs.
Japan's Stance
China's Stance
Taiwan Conflict Remarks
Japan's Stance
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that the use of military force in any Taiwan conflict could be considered a 'survival-threatening situation' for Tokyo. She later agreed to adopt a more cautious tone on such matters in parliament, though did not retract her comments.
China's Stance
China accused Japan of intervening in its internal affairs, calling Takaichi's remarks 'egregious' and demanding a retraction. China believes Japan's actions raise strong concerns among its neighbors and the international community.
- Envoy Dispatched
- Masaaki Kanai, Director-General at Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, sent to China.
- Meeting Details
- Kanai expected to meet Liu Jinsong on Tuesday.
- Tourism Stock Declines
- Shiseido -9.08%, Isetan Mitsukoshi -11.07%, Oriental Land -5.68%, ANA Holdings -3.35%, Hankyu Hanshin Holdings -1.99%.
- China's Travel Advisory
- Issued for citizens planning to visit Japan, citing Takaichi's remarks.
- Chinese Visitors to Japan (2024)
- Approximately 7 million people, representing nearly one-fifth of international visitors.
- Japan's Popularity for Chinese Tourists
- Ranked 4th most popular destination in Jan-Nov 2024.
