The Chinese government has issued directives to domestic airlines to reduce the number of flights to Japan until March 2026. Bloomberg reported, citing informed sources, that this move reflects Beijing’s preparation for a long-term confrontation with Tokyo.
The agency stated that the decision was made last week following statements by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan, which angered China, and ahead of phone calls made by US President Donald Trump on Monday with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping and the new Japanese Prime Minister.
According to Bloomberg, airlines were asked to implement this reduction in flights “for the time being,” suggesting that this decision may be subject to review in the future based on diplomatic developments. It is noteworthy that the end of next March coincides with the seasonal shift in flight schedules between winter and summer schedules. (Al Jazeera)
