China has warned its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan, citing concerns over their safety amid rising tensions between the two countries. On Sunday, China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism issued a statement urging travelers to stay alert, protect themselves, and contact Chinese authorities if emergencies arise while in Japan.
This advisory came after China’s Foreign Ministry raised alarms about increasing crime against Chinese nationals in Japan since the start of the year. The ministry also mentioned a sharp decline in friendly exchanges between the two peoples, highlighting serious risks for Chinese visitors.
The travel warnings are part of a larger diplomatic dispute sparked by Japan’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Takaichi Sanae. Recently, she told the Japanese parliament that a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan would threaten Japan’s survival. Her strong words broke with previous cautious statements, suggesting Japan might take military action if Taiwan were attacked. This stance angered Beijing, which sees Taiwan as a part of China and opposes any foreign support for the island.
Adding fuel to the fire, some Chinese officials responded with harsh and even misogynistic remarks aimed at Takaichi, who is Japan’s first female prime minister. One Chinese diplomat in Japan went as far as threatening to behead her, prompting Japan to summon China’s ambassador to protest the inappropriate comments.
China’s warnings have had immediate effects. Several travel agencies in China canceled tours to Japan, and airlines promised refunds and flexible bookings for flights to Japan until the end of December. The education ministry also cautioned Chinese students studying in Japan to stay aware of local crime risks, though it stopped short of banning student travel.
Japan’s government has pushed back against China’s travel advisories. Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara Minoru said these warnings damage the goal of building a stable and cooperative relationship between the two countries. The Japanese government will watch how the situation unfolds and respond accordingly.
The Chinese state-run Global Times has reported that the travel warnings caused concern in Japan, including worries about the potential economic hit from fewer Chinese tourists. The outlet also shared calls from some Japanese voices demanding that Prime Minister Takaichi retract her statements, apologize to China, and resign.
Behind the diplomatic spats lies a deeper historical disagreement. China’s government views Taiwan as rightfully Chinese, considering past Japanese rule of the island as colonial occupation. It portrays Taiwan’s current government as puppets of Japan and the West, which explains why China is so sensitive to any support Tokyo offers to Taipei.
This latest flare-up is part of a long pattern where China issues travel alerts during political rows. Past examples include warnings against the US during trade disputes, Australia amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and South Korea over missile defense systems.
Adding to the tension, China’s coast guard recently launched patrols near the disputed Senkaku Islands, also claimed by Japan. At the same time, Taiwan reported increased Chinese naval activity near the islands and around Taiwan itself. This growing military presence highlights how the clash over Taiwan and regional security remains a volatile issue with real risks.
For now, Chinese tourists and students face uncertainty about travel to Japan as the two nations wrestle with diplomatic and security pressures. How this situation will evolve depends on political moves from both sides in the weeks ahead.
