Japan Urges Citizens in China to Prioritize Safety Amid Diplomatic Tensions

Japan has issued a warning to its citizens in China, urging them to enhance safety measures and avoid crowded areas, as a diplomatic crisis with China deepens over Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s comments on Taiwan.

Takaichi sparked the most serious diplomatic clash in years when she told Japanese lawmakers that a Chinese attack on Taiwan threatening Japan’s survival could trigger a military response.

In an effort to ease tensions, a senior Japanese official met his counterpart in Beijing on Tuesday, but no breakthrough appeared imminent. China’s foreign ministry said it had pressed at the meeting for Takaichi to retract her remarks. However, Japan’s top government spokesperson, Minoru Kihara, suggested Tokyo was in no mood to do so. “The comments did ‘not alter the government’s existing position,” Kihara told a press conference on Tuesday, adding that the government hoped issues concerning Taiwan would be resolved peacefully through dialogue.

Beijing claims Taiwan as its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to assert control. In response to Takaichi’s comments, a Chinese diplomat posted a threatening message aimed at her on social media, prompting a strong rebuke from Tokyo. Moreover, Chinese state media criticized Takaichi, with Xinhua labeling her remarks as summoning Japan’s “militarist demons.”

Safety Advisories and Economic Impact

In light of the escalating tensions, Japan’s embassy in China reminded citizens to respect local customs and exercise caution in their interactions. The embassy advised individuals to be aware of their surroundings, avoid traveling alone, and leave any suspicious situations immediately. “If you see a person or group that looks even slightly suspicious, do not approach them and leave the area immediately,” the embassy said in its notice.

However, this ongoing dispute could deal a blow to Japan’s economy, as Beijing has urged its citizens to refrain from traveling to Japan, which could significantly affect Japan’s tourism sector. Chinese tourists form the largest group visiting Japan, accounting for nearly a quarter, official figures show. Consequently, tourism-related stocks in Japan plunged on the news.

More than 10 Chinese airlines, including Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines, have offered refunds on Japan-bound routes until 31 December. Additionally, Sichuan Airlines has cancelled plans for a Chengdu-Sapporo route until at least March, state media said.

Moreover, film distributors have also suspended the screening of at least two Japanese films in China. State broadcaster CCTV hailed this on Monday as a ‘prudent decision’ reflecting souring domestic sentiment.

Economic Dependence and Business Response

Apart from tourism, Japan is heavily dependent on China for the supply of critical minerals used in items from electronics to cars. “If we rely too heavily on a country that resorts to economic coercion the moment something displeases it, that creates risks not only for supply chains but also for tourism,” Japan’s economic security minister, Kimi Onoda, told a press conference on Tuesday.

“We need to recognize that it’s dangerous to be economically dependent on somewhere that poses such risks,” she added, responding to a question about China’s calls for its citizens to avoid travel to Japan.

Japan’s Trade Minister Ryosei Akazawa said there had been no particular changes yet in China’s export control measures on rare earths and other materials. The heads of Japan’s three business federations met Takaichi late on Monday and urged dialogue to resolve the diplomatic tension. “Political stability is a prerequisite for economic exchange,” Yoshinobu Tsutsui, chairman of Japan’s biggest business lobby Keidanren, told reporters after the meeting, media said.

Geopolitical Implications

Taiwan is located just over 110 km from Japanese territory, and the waters around it offer a vital sea route for Tokyo’s trade, as Japan hosts the largest contingent of US military overseas.

On Sunday, Chinese coast guard ships sailed through waters around a group of East China Sea islands controlled by Japan but claimed by China, as Japan’s coast guard said it drove the Chinese ships away.

US ambassador to Japan George Glass affirmed on X, “In case anyone was in doubt, the United States fully committed to the defense of Japan, which includes the Senkaku Islands. And formations of Chinese coast guard ships won’t change that.” However, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a press conference on Tuesday that Glass’s remarks were a ‘political show with ulterior motives.’

Next week’s G20 summit in South Africa offered a possible forum to help ease tension, but China said its premier had no plans to meet Takaichi. Kihara said nothing has been decided about two-way meetings during G20, but Japan remains open to holding ‘various dialogues’ with China.