China has advised its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan due to rising diplomatic tensions and safety concerns. Officials urged caution for those already in Japan and recommended following official security updates.
Beijing has warned Chinese nationals against travelling to Japan after statements by Japan’s newly appointed prime minister about a possible military response to any attack on Taiwan ignited a fresh dispute.
The advisory came after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told parliament on November 7 that Japan could deploy its forces if any military action were taken against Taiwan, which sits close to Japan’s southern islands.
Her remarks angered Beijing, which considers Taiwan part of its territory and firmly rejects any outside involvement.
Tensions escalated further on Friday when both nations summoned each other’s ambassadors over an online post linked to China’s consul general in Osaka.
The post, which was later removed, sparked outrage in Tokyo and added fresh strain to an already uneasy relationship.
Hours later, China’s embassy in Japan issued an online alert urging Chinese nationals to avoid visiting Japan for the time being.
The embassy said the current diplomatic climate could pose risks to Chinese citizens and advised them to postpone any travel plans.
It also noted that recent statements from Japanese leaders had created a challenging environment for routine exchanges.
Japan responded through Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara, saying the advisory was inconsistent with ongoing efforts to maintain stable ties.
Tokyo urged Beijing to act responsibly and avoid steps that might further aggravate the situation.
The friction centres on Taiwan, a self-governed island that China vows to eventually bring under its control.
Japan once ruled Taiwan until 1945 and has long maintained an ambiguous stance on the island’s defence.
Takaichi, however, has been vocal about China and argued that an attack on Taiwan could directly threaten Japan under its 2015 security legislation.
Her comments have already prompted calls within her ruling party for firm action following the controversial online post by the Chinese diplomat.
Some lawmakers even pushed for the envoy involved to be declared persona non grata.
Takaichi had visited Taiwan before assuming office and also met Taiwan’s representative at a recent APEC summit where she held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
But despite attempts to soften her rhetoric since becoming prime minister, her earlier statement has kept Tokyo and Beijing on opposing sides.
While both countries remain major trading partners, longstanding distrust, territorial disputes, and growing military activity in the region continue to challenge their relationship
STAY AWAY FROM JAPAN
China has advised its citizens to avoid travelling to Japan amid rising tensions surrounding Taiwan. Beijing’s foreign ministry said comments made by Japan’s new prime minister about Taiwan were “highly provocative” and could endanger Chinese nationals. The ministry stressed that any outside involvement in the Taiwan Strait issue would draw a strong reaction from China.
China tells citizens not to visit Japan and threatens military response as Taiwan row escalates
China has urged its citizens to avoid travelling to Japan, issuing sharp warnings as the diplomatic row triggered by Sanae Takaichi’s Taiwan remarks threatened to strain bilateral ties.
According to CNN, China’s foreign ministry said the new Japanese prime minister’s “blatantly provocative comments on Taiwan” had worsened the climate for public interaction and heightened safety risks for Chinese nationals in Japan. The ministry advised citizens to “avoid visiting Japan for now.”
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The week-long exchange of diplomatic protests between Beijing and Tokyo has reignited old tensions and highlighted China’s deep sensitivities over Taiwan.
Beijing, which is widely seen as aiming to establish itself as the dominant power in the region, looks warily at the American alliance with Japan when it comes to its own regional security and ambitions.