China Sees Significant Decline in Flights to Japan During Spring Festival Amid Diplomatic Tensions

China Sees Significant Decline in Flights to Japan During Spring Festival Amid Diplomatic Tensions

According to a report by the English edition of China's *Global Times*, the number of flights from China to Japan during this year's Spring Festival travel rush has decreased by 43.7% compared to last year. As of Thursday, January 15, a total of 2,376 flights have been canceled.

The reduction in flights to Japan contrasts with an increase in international flights to Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. The report suggests that the number of canceled flights to Japan may continue to rise.

This year's Spring Festival holiday in China will take place from February 15 to 23, while the Spring Festival travel period is set to run from February 2 to March 13.

In November last year, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed strong objections to Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio's remarks on Taiwan during a parliamentary debate. Citing deteriorating public safety in Japan, Chinese authorities advised against traveling to the country.

Sources familiar with the matter have revealed that Chinese authorities have instructed domestic travel agencies to reduce the number of tourists visiting Japan to 60% of previous levels. This move is seen as part of broader efforts to respond to ongoing diplomatic tensions between China and Japan.