China has intensified its economic pressure on Japan, with state-owned enterprises banning employees from travelling to its Asian neighbour, tour groups and a flagship forum being cancelled and Japanese film releases suspended.

Critics say the US influencer’s praise for China and on-camera run-in highlight risks for Western creators in a sensitive media environment.

An opening attempt to cool tensions between China and Japan appears to have fallen flat, signaling that the diplomatic spat is likely to drag on and stoking concerns about further strain in economic ties.