Tokyo defence involvement in Taiwan would amount to aggression against Beijing: UN envoy

China's UN envoy, Fu Cong, stated that any Japanese military involvement in Taiwan would be considered an act of aggression against China, prompting a resolute retaliation. Fu made these remarks at a UN meeting on Wednesday, criticizing Japan's stance on Taiwan's defense and accusing them of attempting military intervention under the guise of collective self-defense. He called for international vigilance against Japan's actions, claiming they violate international obligations. The statement coincides with joint military drills between the US and Japan, which Chinese state media views as interference in the Taiwan issue. Fu's comments escalate previous Chinese criticism following remarks made by Japan's Prime Minister in November regarding Taiwan.

Chinese tourist arrivals to Japan plummeted 61% in January, contributing to an overall 4.9% drop in inbound visitors and marking the first monthly decline since Covid-19 restrictions were lifted. The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) attributes the decrease to a shift in the Lunar New Year holiday timing and Chinese warnings against travel to Japan. These warnings followed comments by a Japanese Prime Minister regarding a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan. The decline in Chinese tourism, previously a significant contributor to Japan's post-Covid recovery, is impacting Japan's retail sector, particularly duty-free sales. Japan is now focusing on diversifying its visitor base to reduce its reliance on Chinese tourism amid ongoing tensions.

The US and Japan have unveiled $36 billion in joint oil, gas, and critical mineral projects, the first phase of a larger $550 billion trade deal. Announced by former President Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi, the investments aim to strengthen ties and enhance economic security amid ongoing tensions between Japan and China. Key projects include a natural gas-fired power plant in Ohio, a deepwater crude oil export facility in Texas, and a synthetic industrial diamond manufacturing site in Georgia. The diamond facility seeks to reduce US reliance on foreign sources, particularly China, which dominates the critical minerals market. The deal follows a previous agreement where Trump reduced tariffs on Japanese exports in exchange for Japan's investment commitment.

The US and Japan have announced the first projects funded by their $550 billion investment fund, established under a trade and economic agreement. US President Donald Trump revealed that the initial investments will support a gas power plant in Ohio, a critical minerals site in Georgia, and a liquefied natural gas facility in Texas. The fund aims to stimulate Japanese investment in key US sectors, a central component of a tariff deal reached last year. Project selection involves a joint panel and recommendations from an investment committee, with final approval by Trump. This announcement comes ahead of a planned meeting between Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and President Trump.

Chinese tourism to Japan has significantly declined, with Japan falling out of the top 10 destinations for Lunar New Year travelers. This drop, which began in late 2023 and is expected to continue, is attributed to a deepening diplomatic rift between Tokyo and Beijing over Taiwan's security. Specifically, controversial remarks by Japan's Prime Minister suggesting potential military involvement in a Taiwan Strait crisis have angered Chinese officials, who have discouraged travel to Japan. As a result, Chinese tourism to Japan nearly halved in December 2023 compared to 2019, and is projected to fall further during the Lunar New Year, with South Korea, Thailand, and other regional countries becoming more popular destinations. The dispute has escalated with accusations from both sides, including China's Foreign Minister accusing Japan of reviving militarism, further straining relations.