Having just returned from there and heading back in 2 weeks I can tell you their speculation is just speculation.
This is a planned event. Factories in the Beijing down to Tianjin are basically shut down until for another couple of weeks for a planned “Parade” as they call it is a large military showcase aimed to get the Japanese attention.
(Spratly Islands) and also a reminder to the Japanese of the “Rape of Nanjing”
Now that being said as much time as I spend there I still don’t trust the little shits.
They sent equipment to the border with North Korea so they may be sending it back.
Still, it’s an odd coincidence.
This shutdown must cost somebody a fortune.