 "Japan holds firm on Taiwan stance as China tests limits with economic pushback – Firstpost")
China has again urged its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan as Beijing steps up pressure on Tokyo over its refusal to withdraw comments on Taiwan. The renewed advisory hints at a familiar strategy in China’s strategy and suggests a dispute that could last for some time.
China’s new warning to its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan is the latest sign that Beijing has returned to a well-worn strategy, using economic and public opinion pressure to signal displeasure in diplomatic standoffs.
The advisory, prompted by reports of Chinese citizens facing harassment and attacks in Japan, comes as Tokyo has refused to walk back comments about a possible response to a Chinese move on Taiwan. The episode echoes previous disputes in which China’s pressure campaigns have lasted for months, leaving governments and industries bracing for what might happen next.
According to a statement released on its Chinese social media account, the embassy has advised people already in Japan to take safety precautions. It also cites statistics indicating an increase in violent crimes in Japan in recent years.
China first warned its citizens against visiting Japan on Nov. 14, after Japan’s prime minister said a Chinese attack on Taiwan could pose an “existential threat” and trigger a military response from Tokyo, amid the worst diplomatic spat between the East Asian countries in years.
Observers say the unfolding situation could follow a familiar trajectory seen in previous Beijing-led retaliation. last episode — including a ban on Philippine banana imports in 2012 and tariffs on Australian wines in 2020 — show that China’s measures often begin with public advisories or trade restrictions, spread to affected industries and then continue for months, sometimes more than a year.
Analysts warn the impact on Japan’s travel, tourism and retail sectors could continue, while diplomatic talks could remain tense as both sides strike a delicate balance between asserting national positions and preventing long-term economic decline.
Beijing reacted sharply to Japanese Prime Minister’s remarks sane Takaichi Earlier this month, he said Japan’s military could intervene if China took action against Taiwan, the self-ruled island China claims as its territory.
Japan has tried to prevent the standoff from worsening but has not indicated any intention to amend its position. It reflects how other governments have responded to similar Chinese pressure – Sticking to one’s point and absorbing the consequences, leading to disputes that often drag on for a year or more.
This is not Japan’s first encounter with China’s economic retaliation. In 2012, Japanese companies in China were attacked during protests, goods were boycotted and group tours to Japan were suspended amid tensions over disputed uninhabited islands.
Citing events when the number of Chinese visitors dropped by a quarter – economist at Nomura Research Institute takahide Kiuchi It is estimated that the current travel advisory could cost Japan 1.8 trillion yen ($11.5 billion) in losses and reduce its already weak economic growth by 0.3 percent.
Group tour cancellations have surged again, dealing a blow to businesses dependent on Chinese visitors. Gamagori While hotels in Aichi Prefecture have reported the loss of more than 2,000 guests lowly syomuA Japan-based travel operator serving Chinese tourists said 300 reservations had been cancelled, describing it as a loss similar to 2012.
with inputs from agencies
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