kyodo news service

Japan Protests China Travel Advisory Linked to Taiwan⁢ Remarks

Tokyo, Japan – Japan has lodged a ‌formal protest with China following⁣ beijing’s issuance of a travel ⁢advisory ⁣warning its citizens about potential security risks in Japan, a move widely‌ seen ​as retaliation for recent statements by japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara regarding Taiwan. The advisory,⁣ released by China’s ⁣Ministry of Culture and Tourism, cites an increase in discriminatory incidents and concerns over⁣ safety, ⁢prompting a swift response from Tokyo.

The ​dispute escalates already strained relations between the two nations, ⁣fueled by differing ​views on Taiwan and regional security. Kihara’s remarks, ⁤made⁣ in parliamentary testimony,‍ suggested that a Chinese‌ attack on Taiwan could be considered an​ “existential ‍threat” ​to Japan, potentially justifying the use of​ force by the ‍japanese Self-Defense Forces.‌ This stance,​ coupled with his support for bolstering Japan’s military ‍capabilities in response to perceived threats from Beijing‘s territorial claims in the Western Pacific, triggered strong​ condemnation from China.

China’s Consul General in Osaka, Feng Wei, initially voiced strong objections on social⁢ media, ⁣stating, “we have no choice but to sever⁤ that dirty neck⁤ directed ⁣at‍ us,” a post that was later deleted but drew a sharp rebuke from Japan. The Chinese travel advisory follows this diplomatic fallout and ‍references alleged incidents of harassment targeting chinese tourists, a demographic‍ that previously provided a significant economic boost to Japan.

The timing ⁢of the advisory is notably sensitive, as it coincides with a period of increased ⁢Chinese military activity near ⁤Taiwan. Beijing claims Taiwan as a renegade province and has conducted numerous military exercises in the Taiwan⁣ Strait. ‍While​ neither the United States nor ​Japan⁣ officially recognizes Taiwan as an self-reliant nation, both maintain close ties and​ oppose any attempt to resolve the ⁤issue through force.

Japan, ‍a‍ key ally of the United States, hosts several major US military bases and is increasingly focused ​on strengthening its defense posture in the ​face of growing regional challenges. The latest ‍exchange underscores the fragility of Sino-Japanese relations and raises concerns ⁣about potential further escalation. Several Chinese airlines ​have reportedly begun offering‍ refunds for previously purchased tickets to Japan following the government’s declaration.