China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued an advisory warning its citizens against travelling to Japan in retaliation to comments made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi last week regarding Taiwan.
Both Macau and Hong Kong have subsequently issued similar reminders to their own residents urging anyone traveling to Japan to exercise heightened vigilance.
The advisory follows a comment made by Takaichi during parliament when she suggested that an attack by China on Taiwan may trigger a military response because it would be considered “a situation threatening Japan’s survival.”
In response, China’s Ministry on Friday said, “Since the beginning of this year, public security in Japan has been unstable, with frequent illegal and criminal incidents targeting Chinese citizens. Several assaults on Chinese nationals in Japan have occurred, some of which remain unsolved. The safety environment for Chinese citizens in Japan continues to deteriorate.
“Recently, Japanese leaders have openly made blatantly provocative remarks concerning Taiwan, severely worsening the atmosphere for personnel exchanges between China and Japan and posing significant risks to the personal safety and lives of Chinese citizens in Japan.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chinese embassies and consulates in Japan solemnly advise Chinese citizens to avoid travelling to Japan at this time. Chinese citizens already in Japan should closely monitor local security conditions, heighten safety awareness and strengthen self-protection.”
The Macao Government Tourism Office issued a statement of its own over the weekend which read, “The Macao SAR Government advises Macau residents currently in Japan or planning to travel there to remain vigilant.
“The MGTO continues to monitor developments in Japan and has updated its travel advisory webpage with special reminders for Japan. Macau residents planning to travel or already in Japan are advised to remain vigilant, prioritize safety, monitor local announcements on the latest developments and follow consular service information issued by the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in Japan.”
Air Macau also followed the precedent set by mainland airlines such as China Eastern, China Southern and Air China by offering refunds or the ability to change tickets on flights between Macau and Japan from 15 November to 31 December 2025.
Japan has, in response, urged China to continue dialogue between the two nations as it looks to find a resolution to the diplomatic conflict.
Japan welcomed almost 36.9 million international tourists last year, of which China contributed 6.98 million – accounting for almost one in five visitors.
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