BEIJING: China has advised its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan following escalating tensions over Taiwan. The advisory comes after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s comments on November 7, which suggested that Japan could respond militarily if China attacked Taiwan.
Takaichi’s remarks, made during a parliamentary session, caused an immediate diplomatic backlash. She stated that an attack on Taiwan could trigger Japan’s “collective self-defense” under its 2015 security law. The comments drew a sharp response from China, which considers Taiwan a breakaway province.
In response, Beijing summoned Japan’s ambassador to lodge a formal protest. Japan also summoned China’s ambassador after a controversial post by China’s consul general in Osaka, which Tokyo deemed inappropriate. The post, which was later removed, escalated tensions between the two countries.
On Friday, China’s embassy in Japan issued a warning to its citizens, urging them to avoid travel to Japan. The embassy cited concerns over “provocative” remarks and potential risks to Chinese citizens’ safety. China’s largest airlines, including Air China and China Southern, also offered full refunds for flights to Japan.
Despite the diplomatic strain, Japanese officials emphasized their position on Taiwan remained unchanged. Takaichi, a staunch China critic, has since toned down her rhetoric but remains firm in her stance. The diplomatic row underscores the ongoing tensions over Taiwan and security in the Asia-Pacific region.
