Hong Kong has moved in step with Beijing as tensions with Japan escalate, canceling cultural and youth exchange programs and echoing mainland criticism of Tokyo’s recent comments on Taiwan.
Chief Executive John Lee publicly backed Beijing’s stance during back-to-back propaganda-style seminars this week, accusing Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of worsening the “atmosphere” for Sino-Japanese ties.
Hong Kong kindergarten moves Japan study tour to mainland China as row deepens https://t.co/R1Oe5vvXW1
— South China Morning Post (@SCMPNews) November 25, 2025
Hong Kong’s Education Bureau withdrew from a long-running student exchange program and issued a travel warning for Japan, citing alleged attacks on Chinese nationals.
Japan’s Foreign Ministry rejected the claim as false. Additional cancellations followed, including school visits, networking events, and even anime broadcasts.
Despite the political chill, travel and business ties remain largely intact. Airlines report strong bookings, and Hong Kong residents continue planning holiday trips to Japan.
Japan remains a major destination for Hong Kong travelers and a key export market for Japanese goods, underscoring the limits of the political fallout.
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TIPP Staff
TIPP Staff
