China hikes visa fee sevenfold for Japanese visitors, citing 'reciprocity'

China will raise visa fees for Japanese citizens by seven times, officials said, calling the move a reciprocal response to Japan's own fees for Chinese visitors. Under the new rule, Japanese applicants will pay significantly more for a Chinese visa than most other nationalities. China said the increase mirrors charges Japan already applies to Chinese travelers. Tokyo has not yet responded publicly. The change adds fresh strain to already tense relations between the two countries.