Japan Urges Citizens in China to Remain Alert Amid Rising Diplomatic Tensions
Japan on Tuesday urged its citizens in mainland China to take safety precautions as diplomatic tensions between the two countries escalate following Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s comments on Taiwan. The Japanese embassy in China stated on its website that it was reiterating “safety measures in light of recent local media coverage concerning Japan–China relations,” as per reports. It further stated, “When going out, please remain vigilant of your surroundings, such as the approach of suspicious individuals, and endeavour to ensure your safety as much as possible, for instance by travelling in groups,” adding that those accompanied by children should “take particular care.” The development follows Takaichi’s recent statement regarding Tokyo’s potential military intervention in the event of a crisis in the Taiwan Strait. She stated that should force be employed in a conflict over Taiwan, it would create a scenario that threatens Japan’s survival, a classification that would permit Tokyo to participate alongside US forces in military operations.
In response to her comments, Beijing charged her with “meddling” in its internal affairs and called for a retraction. China condemned her statement, characterizing the comments as “seriously damaging bilateral ties and challenging post-war international order.” Tokyo has since clarified that Takaichi’s comments were hypothetical and that its stance on Taiwan remains aligned with the position outlined in the 1972 Japan–China Joint Communiqué. The report indicates that Beijing perceives Taiwan as an integral part of China, to be reunited by force if deemed necessary. While most countries, including the United States and Japan, do not recognize Taiwan as an independent state, Washington opposes any attempt to take the island by force and is committed to supplying it with weapons. The embassy advised its citizens to avoid crowded areas and locations commonly frequented by other Japanese nationals. “If you notice any individuals or groups that seem suspicious in any way, do not approach them and leave the area promptly,” it said, adding that citizens who “feel uneasy” should contact the embassy.
In response to Takaichi’s remarks, China has cancelled a series of exchange events, issued a travel warning for Japan, and is reportedly preparing further retaliatory measures after the Japanese prime minister and her cabinet declined to retract the comment. On Monday, reports says that at least two popular Japanese films have delayed their release in China. China has urged its citizens to refrain from traveling to Japan, as major Chinese airlines are providing full refunds to those who intended to visit from noon on Saturday until the end of the year. The education ministry of the country has urged students intending to pursue their studies in Japan to rethink their plans.
In response to Beijing’s advisories, Tokyo expressed its discontent through chief cabinet secretary Minoru Kihara, who stated that China’s recommendations would “hinder bilateral exchange, and diverge from the broader direction agreed by our respective leaders to build constructive and stable ties in line with a strategic and mutually beneficial relationship”. Beijing plays a significant role in Japan’s tourism and education sectors. As of September this year, travellers from mainland China have made 7.48 million visits to Japan. As of May last year, over 123,000 students from China were enrolled in Japanese universities and language schools, accounting for 36.7 percent of all international students.
