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HONG KONG — Hong Kong’s chief John Lee mentioned on Monday his authorities supported China’s diplomatic coverage in direction of Japan and the monetary hub would intently monitor the scenario and reply appropriately.
The feedback are the primary time a Hong Kong official has publicly weighed in on a dispute that has roiled China-Japan ties for greater than two weeks.
The spat was triggered by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks in parliament on November 7 {that a} hypothetical Chinese language assault on democratically-governed Taiwan may set off a army response from Tokyo.
“These extraordinarily misguided remarks have severely deteriorated the environment for exchanges between China and Japan,” Lee mentioned at a media briefing. “It makes us doubt the effectiveness of many exchanges.”
On Sunday, China’s International Minister Wang Yi mentioned it was “surprising” for Japan’s chief to overtly ship a incorrect sign regarding Taiwan, which China claims as its personal territory, though the island’s authorities rejects the claims.
Hong Kong had halted exchanges with Japan’s consulate, Japanese information company Kyodo mentioned on Sunday.
Lee didn’t reply on to a question on whether or not Hong Kong had suspended exchanges, saying, “Our association have to be aligned with the nation’s dignity and the advantages of Hong Kongers.”
The town’s safety bureau up to date its journey advisory for Japan on November 15, urging residents visiting or dwelling in Japan to be vigilant and take note of security.
Japan is among the high locations for Hong Kong residents, with near 150 every day flights between the Chinese language managed metropolis and 13 Japanese cities throughout peak seasons such because the Lunar New Yr.
About 2.68 million Hong Kong residents visited Japan final yr, making up 7.3% of whole overseas guests, Japanese tourism information confirmed.
Hong Kong airways, together with Cathay Pacific, have mentioned up to now two weeks they may present travellers to Japan with choices to rebook or modify their itineraries.
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