Shanghai-Osaka-Kobe Ferry Service Now Suspended Amid Rising China-Japan Tensions Over Taiwan

Published on December 9, 2025

A ferry service that connected Shanghai with the Japanese cities of Osaka and Kobe has been suspended at Beijing’s request. This comes amid rising diplomatic tensions between China and Japan over comments made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi about Taiwan. The ferry operator, Jian Zhen Hao, located in Osaka, announced the suspension on Saturday. They expressed concerns that travel safety between the two countries could no longer be ensured. This situation represents a major disruption to the sea link between Shanghai and important cities in western Japan. The operator confirmed on Monday that it has not yet decided when services will restart. They also stated that passengers who booked tickets will receive full refunds with no cancellation fees.

Ferry Service Suspension Amid Rising Tensions

The suspension of the ferry service comes after Prime Minister Takaichi made controversial remarks in the Japanese parliament on November 7, suggesting that any attack on Taiwan, which is claimed by China, could constitute an existential threat to Japan. Takaichi’s comments have been met with strong opposition from Beijing, which views Taiwan as a breakaway province and has warned against foreign interference in its territorial claims.

In response to Takaichi’s remarks, China has increased its diplomatic pressure on Japan, and the suspension of the ferry service appears to be part of Beijing’s efforts to show its displeasure. The ferry had only recently resumed operations in June 2025 after a five-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and its sudden suspension underscores the fragility of international travel amidst diplomatic tensions.

Impact on Travelers and Local Economies

The suspension of the Shanghai-Osaka-Kobe ferry service has left travelers stranded and created uncertainty for those planning travel between the two countries. This ferry was a vital transport link for both tourists and business travelers between the two regions, and its disruption could have a significant economic impact on the local tourism industries in both Shanghai and the Osaka-Kobe areas.

The ferry service was particularly popular among Japanese tourists visiting China and Chinese travelers exploring Japan’s western cities. The cancellation of this route could cause a sharp decline in the number of Japanese tourists to Shanghai, as well as Chinese visitors to Kobe and Osaka, both of which are major economic and tourism hubs in Japan. This disruption could also affect businesses that rely on this route for the transportation of goods and services.

The operator of the ferry service has assured passengers that they will receive full refunds for any bookings made during the suspension period. While this will alleviate some of the immediate concerns for travelers, the longer-term implications of the suspension could see reduced travel demand between China and Japan, particularly if the diplomatic dispute continues to affect travel between the two countries.

The Role of Taiwan in China-Japan Relations

The current tensions between China and Japan stem from comments made by Prime Minister Takaichi regarding the potential for Japan’s involvement if Taiwan were attacked. Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China, operates as a self-governing entity, but Beijing claims sovereignty over the island and has warned against any international recognition of its independence.

Japan’s official stance on Taiwan is one of strategic ambiguity, as the country has not formally recognized Taiwan’s independence but has been careful to avoid antagonizing China. Takaichi’s remarks, however, have brought the issue into the public spotlight, and China has reacted strongly, increasing diplomatic pressure on Japan. The suspension of the ferry service is likely a direct result of this diplomatic confrontation, marking a sharp deterioration in China-Japan relations.

The Future of China-Japan Travel

The suspension of the Shanghai-Osaka-Kobe ferry service highlights the growing risks to international travel in the region due to geopolitical tensions. China and Japan have historically been major travel partners, with strong economic ties and a significant number of tourists traveling between the two countries each year. However, with rising tensions over Taiwan and other territorial disputes, the future of travel between the two nations remains uncertain.

For travelers, the suspension serves as a reminder of how international travel can be impacted by geopolitical developments. As tensions continue to simmer between China and Japan, travelers may need to explore alternative routes and transportation options, including flights, to navigate the increasingly complex diplomatic landscape.

Potential Long-Term Effects on Tourism and Diplomatic Relations

If the diplomatic standoff continues, the suspension of ferry services between Shanghai and Osaka-Kobe could be just the beginning of broader disruptions to the travel and tourism industries in the region. The suspension not only affects tourists but could also have long-term economic consequences for businesses and local economies in both China and Japan. Moreover, the growing tension over Taiwan could lead to further reductions in tourism and trade between the two countries, potentially straining the already delicate relationship.

Conclusion

The suspension of the Shanghai-Osaka-Kobe ferry marks a major escalation in the ongoing diplomatic conflict between China and Japan over Taiwan. This disruption of a key travel route will affect both tourism and trade, as well as the daily lives of travelers who depend on this ferry for transportation. While passengers will receive refunds for their tickets, the future of ferry services between the two countries is uncertain. The broader implications for China-Japan relations and regional travel will continue to develop.