TOKYO — Japan on Saturday sharply rebuked Beijing, demanding that China take “appropriate measures” after Chinese authorities issued a travel warning urging citizens to avoid visiting Japan, according to the Kyodo News Agency. The move reflects intensifying diplomatic tension between the two Asian powers over remarks made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi about Taiwan.
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, Minoru Kihara, told reporters that Tokyo has “conveyed the message to China and strongly asked it to take appropriate actions,” though he did not specify what he meant by “appropriate measures.”
Beijing’s travel advisory came after Takaichi said that a hypothetical Chinese attack on Taiwan could pose a “survival‑threatening situation” for Japan — remarks that sparked a fierce response from the Chinese government.
Kihara acknowledged that Tokyo and Beijing remain deeply divided on the Taiwan issue, but insisted that maintaining lines of communication is “vital,” Kyodo reported.
Taiwan lies about 110 kilometers (70 miles) from Japan’s shores, and the Chinese government continues to assert that the self-ruled island is part of its territory — even leaving open the possibility of forceful unification. Taiwanese officials, for their part, strongly reject Beijing’s sovereignty claims.
Observers note that Japanese leaders traditionally maintain “strategic ambiguity” on Taiwan, a posture also favored by its security ally, the United States.
In the wake of China’s warning, three major Chinese airlines announced they would offer their customers free ticket changes or refunds for travel to Japan.
The travel advisory is just the latest escalation in a broader geopolitical standoff. China has also announced live-fire military exercises in the central Yellow Sea, heightening regional anxieties.
Japan’s appeal to China to “take steps” is being interpreted by some analysts as a signal that Tokyo views the travel warning not just as a safety issue but as a political maneuver. By discouraging visits, China may be aiming to cool people-to-people exchanges and pressure Japan amid their dispute.
For its part, Japan is calling on Beijing to reverse course or at least clarify its intentions. The demand for “appropriate measures” could include rescinding the advisory, ensuring travel freedoms, or restoring diplomatic trust.
Kihara emphasized that despite the deep disagreement, Japan still sees value in dialogue. But the public nature of its demand signals a tougher diplomatic posture than mere behind-the-scenes appeals.
The incident underscores how travel and tourism, once considered benign pillars of bilateral engagement, are increasingly being weaponized in diplomatic conflicts.
