Land Dispute Causes Japanese Automakers to Stop Work in China

A territory dispute between China and Japan has caused violent protests against Japanese businesses and Japanese expatriates. HondaHondaJapan, 1948 > present102 models
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, MazdaMazdaJapan, 1920 > present80 models
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, NissanNissanJapan, 1932 > present159 models
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, Canon and Panasonic have all stopped production and advised Japanese employees to stay indoors. The Chinese government says that it will attempt to protect Japanese people within the country. 

The territory dispute involves several uninhabited islands in the East China Sea. China claims ownership of the islands, but they are privately owned by a person with Japanese citizenship. Last week, the Japanese government decided to buy some of these islands. In response China sent six ships to patrol the area. While the islands are technically the topic of the dispute, in reality the natural gas reserves around the islands are causing the dispute. 

The protests involved destroying Japanese government agencies in China as well as stores and restaurants. Arsonists at the port of Qingdao attacked Toyota and Honda vehicles.

More protests are expected today, which is the anniversary of Japan's 1931 invasion of Manchuria. 

Source: Reuters