China has urged its citizens to avoid travelling to Japan, intensifying a diplomatic standoff triggered by comments from Japan’s new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, regarding the possibility of defending Taiwan in the event of a military attack.
The tensions erupted after Takaichi told Japan’s parliament on November 7 that an armed assault on Taiwan — which China claims as its territory — could justify a military response from Tokyo under Japan’s collective self-defence laws.
Beijing swiftly condemned the remarks, summoning Japan’s ambassador. Tokyo responded by summoning China’s envoy over what it called an “inappropriate” social media post by a Chinese diplomat. Both posts were later deleted, but not before inflaming relations further.
In a late Friday advisory, China’s embassy in Japan warned its citizens to avoid travelling to the country, citing what it described as a “severely damaged atmosphere for people-to-people exchanges” and “significant risks” to Chinese nationals.
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, Minoru Kihara, criticised the advisory on Saturday, calling it inconsistent with building a “strategic and mutually beneficial relationship.” Tokyo has requested Beijing take what it termed “appropriate measures” to de-escalate the situation.
Despite the backlash, Prime Minister Takaichi — a conservative figure known for her tough stance on China — has stood by her comments, insisting they align with Japan’s long-standing policy. She has, however, pledged to avoid outlining specific defence scenarios going forward.
Previous Japanese leaders have largely maintained strategic ambiguity on Taiwan, mirroring the approach long used by the United States. But Takaichi’s remarks mark a sharper stance just weeks into her administration.
Relations deteriorated further when China’s consul general in Osaka, Xue Jian, posted a threatening comment referencing Takaichi, prompting Japan to lodge a formal protest and lawmakers to demand the envoy be declared persona non grata.
China and Japan remain major trading partners, but their relationship is often strained by historical grievances, regional rivalries, and military posturing. Takaichi, a close ally of former prime minister Shinzo Abe, has previously visited Taiwan and met with its representatives, further drawing Beijing’s ire.
As both nations navigate this renewed diplomatic storm, the future of regional stability around Taiwan — just 100 kilometres from Japan’s nearest island — remains in sharp focus.
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