Japan protests against China's travel boycott advisory, urges stable ties

Beijing riled by PM Takaichi’s remarks over hypothetical attack on Taiwan

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Chinese tourists dressed in kimonos at Sensoji Temple in Tokyo’s Asakusa district on Nov 15. Between January and September of 2025, around 31.65 million foreigners visited Japan, of whom roughly 7.49 million were from China, the most by country or region, according to Japan government data.

(PHOTO: AFP)

Japan has lodged a protest with China after Beijing advised its citizens to avoid travelling to Japan amid a spat over Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on Taiwan.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said Japan “conveyed the message to China and strongly asked it to take appropriate actions”.

“China's view is not in line with Japan's understanding. It is precisely because differences remain that multilayered communication between Japan and China is essential,” Mr Kihara, the top government spokesman, told reporters while visiting Niigata, northwest of Tokyo, on Nov 15.

Mr Masaaki Kanai, director-general of the Foreign Ministry’s Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, also strongly urged Mr Shi Yong, deputy chief of mission of the Chinese embassy in Japan, to take “appropriate measures”.

China on Nov 14 cautioned its citizens against visiting Japan amid the row over Ms Takaichi’s comments. She had said last week that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could amount to a “survival-threatening situation”, potentially triggering a military response from Tokyo.