Hong Kong Finance Chief Cancels Tokyo Visit Amid Escalating China-Japan Diplomatic Spat Over Taiwan Remarks

Hong Kong Finance Chief Cancels Tokyo Visit Amid China-Japan Diplomatic Row

Hong Kong's Financial Secretary, Paul Chan, has officially called off a high-profile visit to Tokyo. The trip, initially scheduled for later in December, has been scrapped amidst escalating diplomatic tensions between China and Japan. This significant cancellation stems directly from a contentious dispute ignited by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent remarks concerning Taiwan.

Event Cancellation and Dignitary Absence

Mr. Chan was originally slated to deliver a key address at a prominent trade promotion event, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, on December 17. This gathering, set to take place at a Tokyo hotel, was expected to attract up to 200 prominent Japanese political and business figures. Notably, Japan's Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Ryosei Akazawa was also anticipated to be in attendance as a guest. However, sources familiar with the situation confirmed on December 6 that the entire event has now been canceled.

Echoing Beijing's Diplomatic Stance

This move by Hong Kong authorities is not an isolated incident but rather a clear reflection of Beijing's broader strategy to apply economic and diplomatic pressure on Japan. The semi-autonomous Chinese region has also taken steps to suspend various exchanges with the Japanese Consulate General in Hong Kong. In a related development, a planned meeting earlier in the week between Mr. Chan and Japanese Consul General Jun Miura was similarly called off at the explicit request of Hong Kong authorities.

Hong Kong's Alignment with China

The decision underscores earlier statements from Hong Kong's Chief Executive, John Lee. In November, Lee had indicated that the territory would align its diplomatic policy with China's stance towards Japan. He specifically cited the ongoing dispute as casting "doubt on the feasibility of many of these exchanges," effectively signaling a unified front with Beijing on foreign policy matters.

Unrelated to Local Incidents

It's important to note that sources clarified the decision to rescind Mr. Chan's Tokyo visit predates a tragic high-rise fire that occurred on November 26, which claimed approximately 160 lives. This timing suggests the cancellation was purely a diplomatic response, rather than being linked to internal events within Hong Kong.

Broader Cultural Impact

Further illustrating the widespread chilling effect of the diplomatic row, local media reported on December 4 that Hong Kong's Leisure and Cultural Services Department had pulled three Japanese films from a scheduled screening event. This decision adds another layer to the broad-ranging impact of the political tensions, extending even to cultural exchanges.