China Urges Citizens to Avoid Travel to Japan Following Diplomatic Spat
Tokyo/Beijing – November 14,2025 - China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised its citizens to avoid travel to Japan “in the near future,” citing concerns for their safety amid a deepening diplomatic dispute triggered by comments from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae takaichi regarding Taiwan. The warning follows a WeChat post alleging “blatantly provocative remarks” from Japanese leaders were damaging people-to-people exchanges and posing “meaningful risks” to Chinese citizens in Japan.
The escalating tensions stem from Takaichi’s recent statements suggesting Japan could invoke its right to “collective self-defense” and deploy troops to Taiwan in the event of an armed attack. she stated that a conflict involving ”battleships and the use of force” would constitute a threat to Japan’s survival. This position, while consistent with security legislation passed in 2015, marks a departure from previous Japanese prime ministers’ policy of strategic ambiguity regarding Taiwan’s defence.
Beijing views Taiwan as an integral part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve unification. The dispute was further inflamed by a now-deleted social media post from Xue Jian,the Chinese consul general in Osaka,which reportedly contained the phrase “(cutting) off that dirty neck,” apparently referencing Takaichi.
Both countries have summoned each other’s ambassadors in response. Japan’s ruling party has passed a resolution calling for Xue Jian to be declared persona non grata.
Despite the diplomatic fallout, Takaichi has indicated she stands by her statement but will refrain from referencing specific scenarios in the future. China and Japan are major trading partners, but their relationship is frequently strained by historical grievances, territorial disputes, and differing military strategies. Takaichi,a conservative politician,assumed office last month and has as toned down some of her rhetoric.
