BEIJING (Mainichi) -- A viral video showing a hotel staffer in China allegedly refusing to accommodate a Japanese guest based on nationality has elicited noticeable support on social media, highlighting the deep-rooted anti-Japanese public opinion in the country.

The hotel is located in the inland city of Tengchong, Yunnan province, near the border with Myanmar. Tengchong has a history of fierce fighting during the Sino-Japanese War.

According to the video and other sources, when a Chinese woman tried to check into the hotel with a Japanese national in early November, an employee refused to allow the Japanese guest to stay, resulting in an argument, and the staffer sounded an alarm in the facility. One online post said "well done," while another praised the employee for taking "patriotic action." Numerous flower bouquets and gifts were also reportedly sent to the hotel.

On the other hand, there were also social media comments against the radical "anti-Japanese" remarks, such as, "It's fake 'patriotism' and completely meaningless," and, "Remembering history should not be about holding onto grudges."

In China, there are cases of small and medium-sized lodging facilities, mainly in rural areas, refusing to accommodate foreign guests in general on the grounds that they "are not qualified to accept foreigners." On a major hotel booking website, the hotel in question also had a similar notice in the accommodation regulations section.

However, these measures currently lack a legal basis and are inconsistent with the Chinese government's policy of focusing on attracting foreign investment and tourists. In July, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and other bodies issued a notice to local authorities and lodging businesses not to restrict or deny accommodation of foreigners in violation of laws and regulations.

(Japanese original by Keisuke Kawazu, China General Bureau)