BEIJING–The standoff between Japan and China over the Senkaku Islands has now spilled over to the world of sports.
Organizers of the Beijing International Marathon said Nov. 9 that Japanese nationals will not be permitted to run in this year’s race.
Officials cited safety concerns in light of the recent flare-up in Japan-China relations.
Canon Inc. and other Japanese companies, which used to sponsor the annual event, withdrew from sponsorship this year.
Runner registration for the Beijing Marathon started on Nov. 8. More than 28,000 have applied already, with the race set to get under way on Nov. 25.
Japan has been removed from a list of nationalities for registrants to choose from on the event’s official website.