Wed Dec 17 15:22:47 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten news article based on it:
Summary:
Despite a growing diplomatic rift with China stemming from Prime Minister Takaichi’s comments suggesting potential military intervention in Taiwan, Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that Japan remains open to dialogue with China, emphasizing the importance of a constructive relationship with its neighbor. However, China’s travel warning to its citizens regarding travel to Japan is impacting Japanese tourism, with a notable slowdown in visitor growth from mainland China. While the decline in Chinese tourists is partially offset by visitors from other countries, the potential economic impact is being assessed, with a recent survey indicating varied expectations among Japanese businesses.
News Article:
Japan Seeks Dialogue with China Amid Taiwan Tensions, Tourism Impact Felt
Tokyo – December 17, 2025 – Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reiterated today her commitment to dialogue with China despite escalating tensions over her previous remarks regarding Taiwan. Speaking at a news conference, Takaichi emphasized the importance of a “constructive and stable relationship” with Japan’s neighbor, stating, “Japan is always open to dialogue with China. We’re not shutting our door.”
The olive branch comes after a period of heightened tension sparked by Takaichi’s November suggestion that Japan could intervene militarily should China attack Taiwan, a self-governed island claimed by Beijing. China responded with a sharp diplomatic rebuke and issued a travel warning to its citizens advising against travel to Japan.
New data released today by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) indicates that the travel warning is impacting tourism. Arrivals from mainland China increased by a mere 3% in November compared to the previous year, marking the weakest growth since January 2022. Approximately 560,000 Chinese tourists visited Japan last month. This is in stark contrast to the double-digit growth seen in previous months, such as 22.8% in October, 18.9% in September, and 36.5% in August.
While some Japanese tourism officials like Takayuki Kitanaka, spokesman for the Osaka Convention and Tourism Bureau, note that the decline in Chinese visitors is being partially mitigated by an increase in tourists from other nations, the long-term economic impact remains uncertain.
China represents a significant source of tourism revenue for Japan, with nearly 7.5 million visitors in the first nine months of 2025, accounting for a quarter of all foreign tourists. Chinese tourists spent the equivalent of $3.7 billion during the third quarter of the year, spending about 22% more than other visitors, according to the JNTO.
A recent survey by Teikoku Databank indicates divided opinions among Japanese businesses regarding the situation. While 43% of companies perceive the trend as negative for the Japanese economy, 41% do not anticipate any significant impact.
“These results suggest that many companies are taking the current travel restrictions relatively calmly,” Teikoku Databank stated.
The diplomatic strain between Japan and China further intensified this month when Chinese military aircraft reportedly locked radar onto Japanese jets, prompting a formal protest from Tokyo.
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