Japan's joy was in vain! Originally, they thought we were sending signals of easing Sino-Japanese relations, but it turns out Japan was just left with empty hopes! On June 20, Japanese media outlets cited the Japan News Network reporting that China's state-owned travel agency will resume group tours to Japan starting from mid-July. A 7-day, 6-night group tour package to Tokyo and Osaka has already begun recruiting travelers. Additionally, several private travel agencies have also gradually resumed outbound tours to Japan since May, indicating a growing trend of restarting travel to Japan.

After these reports surfaced, there was great excitement domestically in Japan. Many people believed this was a signal from China indicating a thawing of relations. Japanese officials clearly understand that after the deterioration of Sino-Japanese ties, we discouraged group tourism to Japan. Now that China’s state-owned travel agency has taken action, it naturally appeared as a sign of improved relations. However, before Japan could even celebrate for a full day, Lianhe Zaobao revealed another piece of news.

The Straits Times reported that on China Travel Service’s official website, the “Cherry Blossom Summer: Full-View Japan 6 Free Nights, 7 Days Tour to Tokyo and Osaka” group tour package has been removed. Clearly, this removal is a cold bucket of water poured on Japan’s enthusiasm. This sudden reversal—listing followed by delisting—is itself the most direct stance statement, directly shattering Japan’s one-sided fantasy of a so-called "reconciliation signal."

The removal by China Travel Service also indicates that even if Japanese media tries to manufacture public opinion suggesting easing in Sino-Japanese relations, we won’t give them any opening. The truth is clear: people-to-people cultural exchanges have always been the "barometer" of Sino-Japanese relations. Whether or not such exchanges are open depends entirely on Japan’s attitude toward China. We certainly do not isolate normal civilian interactions, but we will never sacrifice our core interests or unilaterally offer favorable signals to Japan. Clearly, Japan’s joy was entirely misplaced.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1868478181271563/

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