China warns citizens against travel to Japan after Takaichi's Taiwan comments

CHINA'S Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Monday (November 17) advised Chinese citizens to avoid travelling to Japan in the near future, citing worsening bilateral ties following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent remarks on Taiwan and “significant risks” to the safety of Chinese nationals, state broadcaster CCTV reported.

AI Brief

China advises citizens to avoid Japan over worsening ties and safety concerns after Takaichi's Taiwan comments.
Tourism-related Japanese stocks fell sharply following the travel warning.
Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan triggering a possible military response sparked a diplomatic row with Beijing.

Tourism-related Japanese stocks tumbled after the announcement. Department store operator Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Co fell 10.7%, on track for its sharpest drop in more than a year, while Tokyo Disneyland operator Oriental Land Co lost 5.9% and Japan Airlines (JAL) slid 4.4%.

Takaichi triggered a diplomatic row with Beijing earlier this month after saying in parliament that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could constitute a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan and potentially prompt a military response — language previous Japanese administrations had avoided using to prevent tensions with China, which claims the self-ruled island.

Taiwan lies just over 110 km (68 miles) from Japan’s westernmost islands and sits near key sea lanes vital for Tokyo’s energy imports. Japan also hosts the largest concentration of U.S. military forces outside the United States, underscoring its strategic importance in the region.