New Delhi: China has issued a stern travel warning urging its citizens to “reconsider” all non-essential visits to Japan, citing a sharp rise in perceived anti-Chinese sentiment and safety risks following controversial remarks by Japan’s new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Taiwan.
The Chinese Embassy in Tokyo released the advisory on Friday, cautioning nationals to stay vigilant against “provocative actions” and potential harassment. It specifically highlighted Ishiba’s recent description of Taiwan as a “red line” for Japan and his pledge to bolster defence ties with the United States and like-minded nations in the Indo-Pacific. Beijing views any suggestion that Taiwan is a sovereign entity or strategic partner as a direct challenge to its One China policy.
Tensions have been simmering since Ishiba, sworn in last month, reiterated Japan’s support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait while vowing to increase Tokyo’s military spending to 2 per cent of GDP. Chinese state media and netizens have reacted strongly, branding the comments as interference in internal affairs.
The advisory also referenced isolated incidents of alleged discrimination against Chinese tourists and students in Japan, though Japanese authorities maintain that crime rates against foreigners remain low. In response, Japan’s chief cabinet secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi, expressed regret over the warning, emphasising Tokyo’s commitment to welcoming Chinese visitors.
With bilateral ties already strained over disputed islands and historical grievances, this latest diplomatic chill threatens to dent tourism and business exchanges. Pre-pandemic, nearly 9.5 million Chinese tourists visited Japan annually. Ordinary travellers now find themselves caught in the crossfire of great-power rivalry as nationalist rhetoric rises on both sides.