“Anti-Japanese demonstrations have been breaking out in China in considerable number, with industrial gas and gas related equipment also being affected.

One of these effects is the delay in getting through customs procedures. Since early this month delays have clearly stood out in getting goods entering China from Japan through customs clearance. On September 11 in particular, this really stood out when the Japanese government nationalized the cluster of rocky islets known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China. For example, for specialty gas, the procedures are normally completed very simply, yet now, there are major delays, without any special reason being given. In addition, it also appears that only gas related equipment and components made in Japan are being hard hit. In any case the view is that the Chinese government might have gave some kind of directive in regard to this. However, the consignees of most of these products are Chinese companies, so it is rather ironic that those being hurt by this move on the part of the Chinese government are companies owned by its own citizens.

Demonstrations occurred nationwide on September 18, marking the anniversary of the breaking out of the Mukden Incident (1931) but out of the plants where employees of Japanese gas companies went to work as usual and work progressed smoothly and without fuss, the Daihen plant in Tsingdao ceased operation, but its plant in Mudanjiang operated as usual. Besides these, the Taiyo Nippon Sanso plant in Dalian and the Beijing Horiba Metron plant, affiliated with Horiba Stec carried on as usual.

Of course, companies have taken thorough measures, taking into consideration the safety of the employees, have postponed business trips to China, forbidden riding in taxis alone, and going out at night. If these disturbances were to be protracted, companies plan to consider sending some families back to Japan.”