Benjamin Ho, an assistant professor at the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies’ (RSIS) China programme, described the current phase as “both a war of words and actions”, but said the overall situation remains contained so far.
But as it stands, the diplomatic chill has already made itself felt across various sectors – from F&B to travel and cultural exchanges.
Several Chinese residents and Japanese expatriates in China told CNA that daily life remains largely intact, but a quiet unease has crept in.
Some Chinese said they are being more cautious about Japan-linked outings, while Japanese residents acknowledge concerns that further escalation could eventually affect work or family plans.
RIPPLES IN EVERYDAY ROUTINES
The broader China–Japan chill is showing up most noticeably in travel and tourism.
After China urged its citizens to avoid Japan following Takaichi’s remarks, Chinese carriers and agencies processed large numbers of cancellations.
Aviation platforms tracked more than 40 suspended flights, according to local media on Nov 18.
As of Nov 24, Chinese airlines had cancelled flights on 12 routes to Japan, including popular leisure destinations such as Osaka and Kyoto.
Analysts estimate roughly 500,000 Japan-bound trips were dropped within days, a shock that impacted airlines, hotels and tour operators.
Liu Yuxing, a university student, said she and her friends had begun rethinking their plans after China’s travel advisory.
“We originally planned to travel to Osaka, Japan, before the 2026 Spring Festival and hadn’t booked the flights yet,” she was quoted as saying in a Nov 18 report by Chinese news portal Beijing Business Today.
“Now we’re discussing changing to a trip to Hong Kong and Macau instead.”
But not everyone is pulling back. Felix Wang, 32, a Chinese cultural worker who visits Japan “at least three to four times a year”, has booked a trip to Tokyo this week and intends to proceed.
He told CNA that geopolitics shouldn’t dictate ordinary encounters: “I’m going for a holiday, not to make a point. On past trips, I haven’t encountered hostility or safety problems, and I don’t expect this one to be any different,” he said.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/china-japan-row-impact-locals-expats-travel-tourism-relations-food-5487236
