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‘Extremely dangerous’ – Beijing residents express anger, frustration towards Japan's Takaichi remarks on Taiwan – vox pop

‘Extremely dangerous’ – Beijing residents express anger, frustration towards Japan's Takaichi remarks on Taiwan – vox pop

"The Sino-Japanese diplomatic tensions ignited by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's comments on Taiwan have transcended official political discourse, increasingly disrupting the lives of ordinary citizens in both countries, particularly through impacts on travel, education, and commerce. Recent vox pops conducted by Viory on the streets of Beijing highlighted the frustrations felt by those who have become unintended victims of this diplomatic fallout, including the owner of Japanese restaurant Toya, Kazuyuki Tanioka. The restaurant, which has been operating for about a decade and even weathered the COVID-19 pandemic, now faces an increasingly bleak future. "Business has been exceptionally poor this time, with a significant impact. Since mid-November, numerous reservations have been cancelled - 15 tables total, 60 guests cancelled," explained Tanioka, who opened the restaurant ten years ago. Footage shows chef and owner Tanioka diligently preparing sushi for his customers. Photos lining the walls of the venue bear witness to its storied reputation among esteemed diners. "We can't control government-to-government relations, but I believe good food and friendship transcend nationality," said, adding, "My relationship with my Chinese wife remains unchanged. But with business this poor... we're facing our toughest challenge yet. We might have to close next year." Residents are also outspoken, expressing anger over how ongoing tensions affect their everyday lives. Beijing resident Yue Cong notes, "I don't think Japan's current prime minister has the credibility to make such statements. Japan's economy isn't as strong as it once was, and its international influence has waned compared to previous times." Another local, Chen Jiaqi, adapted her travel plans in response, saying, "We wanted to travel to Japan. Since we go abroad once every six months, we ended up changing our plans to South Korea instead. We're concerned about safety and political issues, especially for our children." Chen emphasises, "We truly admire Japanese products and culture and would love to experience them firsthand. However, prioritising personal safety and the broader situation, we've opted for safer destinations - there are plenty of other options worldwide." Another resident, Jeff, reflects, "I believe her actions are extremely dangerous. Such behaviour causes immense harm to the people-to-people bonds between China and Japan." The current tensions were sparked by remarks made by Takaichi on November 7 during a parliamentary session, in which she stated that a Chinese military action against Taiwan involving warships could constitute "a survival-threatening situation" for Japan. This was interpreted as a suggestion of Japan's potential military intervention in a Taiwan crisis, marking a departure from its previous policy of 'strategic ambiguity.' China views Taiwan as an inseparable part of its territory and considers the matter a purely internal affair."

'Public education is not a business!' - Protests erupt in Madrid as students demand fairer funding for schools

'Public education is not a business!' - Protests erupt in Madrid as students demand fairer funding for schools

"Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Madrid on Thursday amid growing frustration over the regional government's proposed education budget, with students calling for increased funding and fairer access for public schools. Footage shows large crowds chanting and lighting flares, with many holding signs reading 'The university is not for sale' and 'Public school for everyone.' The two-day demonstration, organised by student unions from Madrid's six universities, criticised regional president Isabel Diaz Ayuso's planned budget, which allocates only a small increase in public education funding. Activists describe the plans as inadequate and deem the funding measures as an attack on public education, with neighbouring regions investing more in the sector. The regional government argue that the proposal will allow for an increase of 75 million euros in the sector and includes a 6.5 per cent boost in funding for universities compared to last year."