Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-11-18 17:13Core Viewpoint - The recent coordinated action by six major Chinese airlines to allow free ticket changes and cancellations for all flights to Japan signals a significant concern regarding safety and security for Chinese citizens traveling to Japan, rather than a typical promotional strategy [6][26]. Group 1: Airline Actions - On November 15, six major Chinese airlines, including Air China and China Southern Airlines, simultaneously announced that all tickets for flights to Japan could be changed or canceled for free, indicating a collective response to emerging risks [6][11]. - The specific rules set by each airline reveal a strategic approach: Air China limited changes to tickets issued before noon on the 15th for core cities, while China Southern expanded the scope to include layover flights [8][18]. - Sichuan Airlines set a later deadline for ticket changes, suggesting an intention to provide travelers with a last-minute opportunity to avoid potential risks [11][18]. Group 2: Underlying Risks - The primary driver behind this wave of ticket changes is the deteriorating social security situation in Japan, with a notable increase in incidents targeting Chinese citizens, leading to a growing trend of risk [13][14]. - Political tensions have exacerbated the situation, particularly due to inappropriate remarks from Japanese leaders regarding Taiwan, which are seen as a direct challenge to China's core interests [16][22]. - The collective airline response serves as a warning about the escalating risks, emphasizing the need for travelers to be vigilant and prepared [20][28]. Group 3: Implications for Sino-Japanese Relations - The coordinated airline actions reflect a deeper concern about the erosion of trust in Sino-Japanese relations, which is fragile and requires mutual respect and acknowledgment of historical issues [22][26]. - The current situation serves as a "pressure test" for the relationship, highlighting the vulnerabilities in maintaining mutual trust and the potential consequences of ignoring safety concerns [28]. - The airlines' actions are not merely operational decisions but are indicative of a broader warning regarding the need for both countries to safeguard the foundations of their exchanges [26][28].