NARA — A Chinese delegate to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum meeting on tourism warned Thursday that tourist travel between Japan and China could be further damaged over escalating tensions between Tokyo and Beijing over Japan's arrest of a Chinese trawler captain near the disputed Senkaku Islands.

"Responsibility for this incident lies with the Japanese, and it has already impacted tourism between the two countries, and even in the Asian region. If it's not resolved, there will be even more of an impact," said Zhang Xilong, deputy director general of the China National Tourism Administration.

Zhang's comments came during a news conference following the end of the two-day summit of 21 Asia-Pacific countries and regions on how to promote tourism. His words capped a tense gathering, which began when Land, Transport, Infrastructure, and Tourism Minister Sumio Mabuchi refused to accept a courtesy call by the Chinese delegation Wednesday. The Chinese delegation retaliated by boycotting a reception thrown by Mabuchi on Wednesday evening.