China has issued a strong travel advisory urging its citizens to avoid Japan, citing escalating political tensions and what it describes as growing risks to the safety of Chinese nationals. The announcement followed Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent comments suggesting that any Chinese military action against Taiwan could be deemed a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan—potentially activating Tokyo’s right to collective self-defence.
Beijing sharply condemned her remarks, labelling them a “blatant provocation” and an interference in China’s internal affairs. In response, China summoned Japan’s ambassador to lodge a formal protest. Japan, in turn, summoned China’s envoy after a Chinese diplomat posted an inflammatory message on social media that appeared to threaten Takaichi personally. The post was later deleted, but the incident further aggravated tensions.
China’s advisory warned that political rhetoric in Japan had “damaged bilateral trust” and could endanger Chinese citizens. It also referenced a perceived rise in targeted crimes involving Chinese nationals, advising travellers already in Japan to remain cautious, monitor local alerts, and take additional safety measures.
Diplomatic analysts view the move as both a security warning and a political signal aimed at deterring deeper Japanese involvement in any Taiwan-related conflict. Beijing has repeatedly stated that foreign military intervention would be met with a resolute response and has urged Japan to refrain from actions that could escalate the situation across the Taiwan Strait.
The travel warning has unsettled Japan’s tourism and retail industries, which depend heavily on Chinese visitors. Businesses fear that prolonged tensions could lead to a significant fall in tourist arrivals, particularly during upcoming holiday seasons.
The dispute highlights the fragility of China-Japan relations at a time when Tokyo is reassessing its security priorities under Takaichi’s government. While Japanese officials maintain that their overall stance on Taiwan remains unchanged, Beijing is increasingly wary of what it sees as Tokyo’s sharper strategic posture and closer alignment with Western allies.
As exchanges grow sharper on both sides, observers warn that the latest dispute could signal a sustained period of strain between Asia’s two largest economies. The travel advisory, though ostensibly about safety, underscores a deeper geopolitical rivalry playing out amid shifting regional security dynamics.
