China Urges Citizens to Avoid Japan Amidst Rising Diplomatic Tensions
China has advised its citizens to refrain from traveling to Japan, escalating a diplomatic dispute triggered by comments from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan. The move comes as Beijing expresses strong condemnation of Takaichi’s recent statements, which outlined a potential Japanese military response to a Chinese attack on Taiwan.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated on Friday that the Prime Minister’s remarks had “further damaged the atmosphere for people-to-people exchanges, creating additional risks to the safety and security of Chinese citizens” in Japan, according to CNN reporting. This prompted the advisory urging citizens to postpone travel to the country.
The controversy began last week when Prime Minister Takaichi, responding to questions from an opposition lawmaker, indicated that a Chinese military blockade of Taiwan could constitute a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan. She suggested that such a scenario, particularly if it involved attacks on U.S. Warships, could compel Tokyo to intervene militarily in support of its ally, the United States.
Beijing reacted swiftly and forcefully. Xue Jian, China’s consul general in Osaka, posted a message on the social media platform X – which has since been deleted – that was widely interpreted as a threat against the Japanese Prime Minister. The post reportedly stated that “the dirty head that sticks itself in must be cut off,” sparking outrage in Japan.
Tokyo lodged a formal protest with Beijing over Xue’s remarks on Monday, with government spokesperson Minoru Kihara describing the post as “extremely inappropriate for a Chinese diplomatic mission head.” The ruling Liberal Democratic Party has also reportedly considered designating Xue as *persona non grata*, potentially leading to his expulsion from Japan.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, demanded that Japan “correct its wrongdoing at once and retract the unjustified remarks,” labeling them “a blatant provocation to the post-WWII order” and “a great blow to China-Japan relations.” He warned, “Those who play with fire will perish by it!” Beijing also summoned the Japanese ambassador for a formal rebuke of Takaichi’s comments, while Tokyo reciprocated by calling in the PRC representative to address the consul’s threat.
The escalating tensions highlight China’s sensitivity regarding Taiwan, which Beijing views as a breakaway province that must eventually be reunified with the mainland, by force if necessary. China has been increasing military pressure around Taiwan in recent years, staging large-scale exercises simulating a blockade.
A potential Chinese offensive against Taiwan would have significant implications for Japan, a key U.S. Treaty ally. Japan relies on secure maritime routes for 99 percent of its trade, and a disruption caused by conflict in the region would severely impact its economy. A stronger Chinese military position in the region would pose a direct challenge to Japan’s security interests.
While Beijing internationally presents itself as a peace-loving government, its actions – including support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its activities in the South China Sea – have raised questions about this image. The current dispute with Japan further complicates this narrative, demonstrating a willingness to employ what has been termed “wolf warrior” diplomacy, characterized by assertive and often confrontational rhetoric.
