A Chinese performer greets a young fan in Sagamihara on Nov. 22. (Wataru Sekita)

EDITORIAL: Private sector should be left out as China rages against Japan

（社説）日中の対立　民間の交流を止めるな

In China, the absurdity of Japanese singers not being able to perform due to worsening relations between Japan and China is occurring. 

A show on Nov. 28 in Shanghai by the singer Maki Otsuki, known for her rendition of the “One Piece” anime theme song, was abruptly halted as the sound and lighting were turned off while she was singing.

The group Momoiro Clover Z was scheduled to appear at the same event the following day but that was canceled as well.

A concert scheduled to be held by Ayumi Hamasaki in Shanghai on the same day was also canceled.

A large number of other Japan-related shows and events have been suspended.

All this reflects the policy set by the government of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The Chinese government is increasing pressure on Japan after it viewed as highly problematic a statement by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in the Diet about a military contingency related to Taiwan.

The view of many experts is that various Chinese government agencies as well as local governments implemented measures within their range of authority to demonstrate loyalty to the administration.

Some drastic actions, such as the unfathomable act of disrupting a show in progress, have occurred as a result.

This is a negative effect from one-party rule and a bureaucratic organization.

What is regrettable is that the valuable opportunity for cultural exchanges has been lost.

There were many Chinese looking forward to seeing the Japanese artists perform.

In fact, there were posts on social media in China criticizing such cancellations and the sudden ending of shows.

Airlines have greatly reduced the number of flights to Japan after the Chinese government called for restraint in travel. 

The Chinese Embassy in Tokyo has posted information with an unclear basis about the worsening law-and-order situation in Japan.

Such moves have had a serious effect on private-sector exchanges, with a number of Chinese participants deciding not to participate in exchange events scheduled in various parts of Japan.

On the other hand, it is noteworthy that there has so far been no reports about anti-Japan demonstrations and boycotts of Japanese products as were witnessed in the past.

Reporting from China by Japanese media has noted a relatively calm response by the Chinese public, with some saying they are different from the government.

Not only will the inflexible response of the Chinese government damage its image overseas, but it might also become a risk.

It is difficult to believe that Chinese citizens will be convinced by the argument that cancellation of concerts is all Takaichi’s fault because of the government criticism of the prime minister's comment.

Discussions between governments should be held to address the issues.

Involving the private sector in such a confrontation and acting foolishly to affect exchanges and travel should be stopped at once.

--The Asahi Shimbun, Dec. 2

日中関係が悪化すると、日本の歌手が歌えなくなる。そんな不条理が、中国でまかり通っている。
　アニメ「ＯＮＥ　ＰＩＥＣＥ（ワンピース）」の主題歌で知られる歌手の大槻マキさんが上海で２８日に公演中、音声が切られ、照明も消え、中断させられた。２９日、同じイベントにももいろクローバーＺが出演することになっていたが、中止された。
　同日、上海で予定されていた歌手の浜崎あゆみさんのコンサートも中止となった。このほか、数多くの日本関連の公演やイベントが取りやめになっている。
　何が起きているのか。
　高市首相が国会で台湾有事に関する発言をした後、これを問題視する習近平（シーチンピン）政権が日本に圧力を強める方針を決めたとみられる。その意向を受けて政府の各部門や地方政府が、それぞれの担当範囲でやれることをやり、政権への忠誠心を示すべく次々と措置を講じている――。これが多くの専門家の見方だ。
　そこでは、ときに過剰な行動が生まれる。その一例が、ステージの真っ最中での中断という理解しがたい対応だったのだろう。一党支配と官僚機構の弊害である。
　残念なのは、貴重な文化交流の機会が失われていくことだ。中国には、日本のアーティストらとの出会いを楽しみにしている人が大勢いる。実際、中国のＳＮＳではこうした中止や中断を批判する声が上がっている。
　政府が日本への渡航自粛を呼びかけ、航空会社が日本行きを大幅に減便させ、東京の中国大使館が「日本の治安が悪化している」と根拠不明の情報を発信する。いずれも民間交流を阻むものとして深刻だ。日本の各都市の交流イベントで、中国側の関係者が欠席する例も相次いでいる。
　一方で注目したいのは、過去に起きたような反日デモや日本製品の不買運動が、今のところ伝えられていない点だ。中国発の日本メディアの報道によると、「政府と私たちは別」といった市民の冷静な声も少なくない。
　中国当局の硬直的な対応は、中国の対外イメージを損なうだけでなく、政権にとってリスクにならないだろうか。中国政府が高市首相の言動を問題視しているからといって、「コンサートの中止は高市首相のせいだ」ということで、中国の市民が納得するとは考えにくい。
　話があるのなら、政府間で協議すればいい。対立に民間を巻き込み、交流や往来に影響を及ぼす愚行は、直ちにやめるべきだ。

(2025年12月2日)

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EDITORIAL: Private sector should be left out as China rages against Japan
（社説）日中の対立　民間の交流を止めるな