500k Air Tickets to Japan canceled amid China-Japan Tensions
18th Nov. 2025
China’s dispute with Japan over Tokyo’s recent comments on Taiwan has rapidly intensified. As a result, hundreds of thousands of scheduled air trips vanished within days, unsettling travellers and raising urgent diplomatic concerns. Chinese travelers canceled almost 500,000 air tickets to Japan between 15 and 17 November, according to aviation analyst Hanming Li.
He said the cancellations were “the largest since early Covid,” although he also noted that China’s aviation industry would feel only limited economic pressure. The backlash began after Japan’s prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, suggested Tokyo could support Taiwan if China attempted an invasion. Her comments ignited anger across Chinese media. Consequently, at least seven airlines started offering free cancellations to customers with Japan-bound tickets.
Jimu News reported that Sichuan Airlines canceled all flights between Chengdu and Sapporo until late March. On the other side, Spring Airlines also canceled several routes. Both companies cited internal planning, yet the political context made the timing impossible to ignore.
Other Drawbacks of the China-Japan Conflict
Meanwhile, cultural programs and cross-border exchanges faced disruptions. Some agencies paused visa processing for travellers heading to Japan. Moreover, Chinese distributors delayed screenings of multiple Japanese films. State Broadcaster CCTV claimed that declining ticket sales for Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle reflected “strong dissatisfaction” with Takaichi’s remarks.
“Political stability is a prerequisite for economic exchange,” said Yoshinobu Tsutsui, who leads the Keidanren business lobby. Many companies urged the government to ease tensions before economic losses increased. In order to ease tensions, Japan has sent senior foreign ministry official Masaaki Kanai to Beijing for high-level talks. However, Takaichi refused to withdraw her comments. She has argued that any threat to Taiwan could endanger Japan and justify “self-defence,” despite constitutional limits on military action.
China’s state media continued heavy coverage, which further fueled online nationalism. Because of this surge in hostility, Tokyo advised Japanese citizens in China to remain cautious. Japan’s chief cabinet secretary, Minoru Kihara, said the guidance came after assessing local political and social conditions. As both countries navigate rising anger, the stakes continue to climb. Each decision now carries the potential to influence regional stability and future economic cooperation.
Web Resources on China-Japan Conflict over Taiwan
1. Theguardian.com: Chinese travellers cancel hundreds of thousands of trips to Japan amid rising tensions
2. SCMP.com: 491,000 Japan-bound air tickets cancelled as China warns people to avoid travel amid spat
3. AcademicBlock.com: China Urges Its Citizens to Avoid Traveling to Japan