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.

Several major Chinese travel agencies have halted sales of Japan-bound trips, industry sources said on Monday, after the Chinese government urged its citizens not to visit the neighbouring country last week amid an escalating diplomatic row over Taiwan.

A low-cost carrier operating flights between Japan and China says it has received inquiries about canceling bookings since the Chinese government urged its citizens to refrain from visiting Japan.

The Japanese public is divided on whether Japan should exercise its right to collective self-defence if China attacks Taiwan, a Kyodo news agency poll found on Sunday. The survey found 48.8% in favour and 44.