Japanese automobile manufacturers halt production at Chinese factories

Gasgoo.com (Shanghai September 18) - As tensions continue to rise between Japan and China over the disputed Diaoyu islands, several Japanese manufacturers have been forced to halt production at their factories based in the country. FAW Toyota, Zhengzhou Nissan and Mazda have all halted production at their automobile factories, the Beijing Times reported today.

Officials from Zhengzhou Nissan denied claims that the reason it halted production at its factories in Zhongmu, Henan was due destruction caused by anti-Japan riots. According to Public Relations Director Luo Yun, the JV's decision to close its factories was to ensure the safety of its staff as China observes the anniversary of the Mukden Incident, which the Japanese used as a pretext to invading the northern part of the country during World War II.

FAW Toyota's PR Director Ma Chunping also confirmed that the JV has temporarily halted production at its factories in Tianjin and Sichuan's capital of Chengdu for one day. The JV was unclear on how long it will take before its factories resume operation. However, Mazda, which has also halted production earlier this week, announced that its plants will begin operation tomorrow.

Other Japanese enterprises, including Canon and Panasonic, have also stopped production at their Chinese factories. There have also been reports that enterprises have begun transferring their Japanese employees and their families back to Japan.