Japan has issued a safety advisory for its citizens in China, urging them to avoid crowded areas and stay vigilant, after relations between Tokyo and Beijing deteriorated over Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on Taiwan. The warning comes as a senior Japanese foreign ministry official travels to Beijing to seek de-escalation.
The development marks one of the sharpest diplomatic ruptures between Asia’s two largest economies in recent years and carries potential economic fallout, especially for tourism.
The advisory from the Japanese embassy in China came after media coverage in China turned sharply hostile toward Takaichi. Officials urged Japanese nationals in China to remain aware of their surroundings, avoid traveling alone, and exercise extra caution, especially when traveling with children. “If you see a person or group that looks even slightly suspicious, do not approach them and leave the area immediately,” the embassy said in its notice.
Japan’s foreign ministry official, Kihara, defended the protective guidance, saying it was based on “a comprehensive consideration of the security situation in the country or region, as well as its political and social conditions.”
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In response to the diplomatic fallout, China has urged its citizens not to travel to Japan, a move that could significantly hurt Japan’s economy. Chinese tourists make up nearly a quarter of all foreign visitors to Japan, according to official data, and tourism-related stocks in Japan fell sharply following the advisory.
Additionally, Chinese authorities have suspended the release of several Japanese films in China, including Crayon Shin-chan: Super Hot! Scorching Kasukabe Dancers and Cells at Work!, citing “domestic audience sentiment,” according to state broadcaster CCTV.
The trip by Japan’s foreign ministry representative to Beijing aims to reduce the mounting strain, but talks face serious headwinds. Takaichi’s earlier comments, warning that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could provoke a military response from Japan, sparked outrage in China.
In turn, a Chinese diplomat in Tokyo posted threatening remarks toward Takaichi on social media, prompting a rare public counter from Japan.
On Tuesday, Kihara again called for stability while commenting on the advice to citizens in China and stressed the importance of cautious communication between the two nations.
Recently, Chinese coast guard vessels sailed near the contested East China Sea islands claimed by both China and Japan, prompting a warning from Washington that the U.S. would defend Tokyo under the U.S.-Japan security treaty.
