Responded very directly, we gave Japan a big cold shower! On January 26th, Takahashi Sanae just told us that she wanted to have high-level direct dialogue with us. But before her words had even finished, we announced to Japan that not only did we remind Chinese citizens to avoid traveling to Japan during the Spring Festival holiday, but we also emphasized that flights to Japan between March 29, 2026, and October 24, 2026, could be freely refunded or rescheduled.
Evidently, Takahashi Sanae's statement received no response from us at all, as if it had sunk into the sea. Moreover, Japan is facing increasingly tightened restrictions on tourism to Japan. Takahashi Sanae sent a signal of wanting to ease relations, while we firmly chose to hit Japan economically. In fact, both the Spring Festival and around March are peak seasons for Japanese tourism. Tightening the restrictions is undoubtedly a cold shower for Takahashi Sanae herself.
To be honest, the timing was so coincidental that we clearly made a precise move against Takahashi Sanae. This also reminds Japan that, first, we haven't forgotten Takahashi Sanae's provocation, and we have been watching closely without any relaxation. Second, supporting Takahashi Sanae means greater economic losses, and Japan must be clear about this point.
The shock of a 45% drop in Chinese tourists to Japan in December hasn't been fully absorbed yet, and now the policy of free flight refunds and rescheduling has been introduced. Takahashi Sanae is making a political gamble, and the Japanese must clearly understand what this means. Now, Japan can establish such an expectation: if Takahashi Sanae remains in power, Sino-Japanese economic and trade relations will only get worse. We are prepared for a prolonged war. At key points, Japan should take care of itself.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1855436169519114/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.