China Issues Travel Warning for Japan as Tokyo Seeks to Calm Diplomatic Tensions

Tokyo/Beijing: Japan is working to ease rising tensions with China following a travel warning issued by Beijing for its citizens. The warning came after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that a Chinese attack on Taiwan threatening Japan’s survival could prompt a military response. The remarks triggered a strong backlash from China, escalating diplomatic friction between the two nations.

Japanese officials dispatched senior foreign ministry official Masaaki Kanai to Beijing to clarify Tokyo’s security stance and urge China to avoid actions that could damage long-term bilateral ties. Japanese authorities emphasized that their policy on Taiwan remains unchanged, and Kanai’s visit aims to reduce misunderstandings.

The travel advisory has already impacted Japan’s tourism-dependent sectors. Analysts warn that a significant drop in Chinese visitors could mirror effects seen during the 2012 island dispute, potentially cutting Japan’s annual growth and affecting major companies. Shares of Isetan Mitsukoshi fell 11.3%, while Japan Airlines lost 3.7% on Monday.

Tensions have also increased in regional waters and airspace. Chinese coast guard ships entered areas near the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, prompting Japan’s coast guard to respond. A Chinese drone flew near Yonaguni Island between Taiwan and Japan, leading Japan to scramble fighter jets.

Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te called China’s actions a “multifaceted attack” and urged international monitoring, while the U.S. ambassador to Japan criticized China’s diplomatic behavior. Experts warn the travel warning may persist for months, with potential economic fallout if diplomatic tensions continue.

The situation underscores the delicate balance in East Asia, where strategic communication, tourism, and regional security are tightly intertwined. Tokyo and Beijing are now navigating a critical period that could shape diplomatic and economic ties in the coming months.