- By Shivangi Sharma
- Sat, 15 Nov 2025 07:38 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
China–Japan relations have entered a sharp downturn after Beijing issued a rare public advisory warning Chinese citizens against travelling to Japan. The Chinese Embassy in Tokyo posted the notice on November 14, accusing Japanese leaders of making “blatantly provocative remarks” on Taiwan.
Following the advisory, major Chinese airlines, including China Eastern, Air China, and China Southern, announced that passengers holding Japan-bound tickets could cancel or change their flights without penalties until December 31.
What Triggered The Latest China–Japan Rift?
The latest tensions were sparked during a parliamentary session in Tokyo, where Japanese Prime Minister SanaeTakaichi suggested that a Chinese military move against Taiwan could constitute a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan. Under Japan’s security framework, such a scenario could permit Tokyo to exercise its right to collective self-defence.
Beijing responded with sharp condemnation. China summoned Japanese Ambassador Kenji Kanasugi and demanded that Takaichi retract her remarks. Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong warned that “anyone who dares to interfere” in China’s goal of “reunification” would face a “heavy blow,” adding that the 1.4 billion people of China “will never tolerate this.”
China’s Defence Ministry further escalated rhetoric, stating that any Japanese forceful intervention in the Taiwan Strait would be met with “a crushing defeat.”
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Japan Pushes Back, Summons Chinese Envoy
Tokyo lodged its own protest after a Chinese consul general in Osaka posted, then deleted, a controversial online message seemingly directed at Takaichi. Japan said the post was inappropriate and summoned China’s ambassador for an explanation.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara clarified that Japan’s stance on Taiwan remains unchanged and that Takaichi’s remarks were based on hypothetical assessments. He emphasised that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are essential for Japan’s national security and wider regional stability.
Kihara stressed the need for “multi-layered communication” between the two countries, especially as their views diverge sharply.
Beijing’s Travel Warning And Airline Refunds
China’s foreign ministry warned citizens that the “security situation” for Chinese nationals in Japan had deteriorated, citing incidents of targeted attacks. It urged those already in Japan to stay alert, monitor local developments, and take safety precautions.
Within hours, airlines rolled out full refund policies for all Japan routes through year-end. The decision could significantly impact Japan’s tourism sector, which relies heavily on visitors from mainland China. From January to September of this year, Japan recorded 7.48 million Chinese tourist trips, more than from any other country.