Japan has formally requested China to temper its response in an escalating diplomatic row, after Beijing advised its citizens against traveling to Japan following controversial remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi concerning Taiwan.
Travel Advisory Sparks Diplomatic Tensions
The conflict emerged when Prime Minister Takaichi stated last week that military force used in any Taiwan conflict could be considered a 'survival-threatening situation' for Japan—a legal classification that could justify Japanese intervention. This marked the first significant retaliation from Beijing in the ongoing dispute.
China's foreign ministry issued a travel advisory late Friday, November 14, 2025, warning Chinese citizens to avoid travel to Japan in the near term. The ministry cited Takaichi's 'brazenly provocative remarks' as seriously undermining the atmosphere for China-Japan exchanges and creating risks to Chinese citizens' safety.
Economic and Diplomatic Fallout
The travel advisory carries significant economic weight, given that mainland Chinese tourists represent nearly a quarter of all foreign visitors to Japan. Official data shows almost 7.5 million visitors from mainland China visited Japan during the first nine months of this year alone.
Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara responded on Saturday by strongly urging China to provide an appropriate response. Kihara emphasized that China's actions don't align with the 'broader direction our leaders agreed on to advance a mutually beneficial strategic relationship.'
Major Chinese airlines including Air China, China Southern, and China Eastern have already implemented full refund policies for flights to Japanese cities including Tokyo, Osaka, and Okinawa between November 15 and December 31, 2025.
Historical Context and Ongoing Dialogue
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has consistently vowed to reclaim the self-ruled island, using force if necessary. Beijing has demanded a retraction of Takaichi's comments, which it characterizes as interference in internal affairs.
The situation escalated further when Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong summoned Japan's ambassador to Beijing on Thursday, warning that Takaichi should disavow her comments or 'otherwise all consequences must be borne by Japan.'
Despite the tensions, Japanese officials emphasize the importance of continued dialogue. Liberal Democratic Party policy chief Takayuki Kobayashi stated on Saturday that 'calm and continued dialogue are needed' to build a constructive Japan-China relationship.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara reinforced this position, noting that 'multi-layered communication between Japan and China is essential' despite differences in their positions on Taiwan.
