China warns against travel to Japan: political tensions and risks
In a new escalation of strained relations between the two Asian powers, China issued a formal travel warning to its citizens on Monday, advising them to avoid travel to Japan , particularly with the Lunar New Year holiday approaching in February. Beijing cited a deteriorating security situation and potential risks to the safety of Chinese tourists as the reasons for the warning, a move that reflects the depth of the current diplomatic crisis between the two countries.
Background to the tension: The Taiwan crisis and Takaichi's statements
These warnings come in a tense geopolitical context, as relations between Beijing and Tokyo have deteriorated sharply and suddenly. The roots of the current crisis can be traced back to last November, when Japan’s conservative Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, hinted at the possibility of Japanese military intervention should Taiwan be attacked. This statement angered the Chinese government, which considers Taiwan an integral part of its territory under the “One China” principle and regards any external interference in its affairs as a red line that infringes upon its national sovereignty.
Historically, Sino-Japanese relations have been extremely sensitive due to the legacy of World War II and regional competition for influence in the Indo-Pacific region. China views Japan's military moves and strengthening of its defense alliances with suspicion, considering recent statements by the Japanese leadership to represent a dangerous shift in Tokyo's defense doctrine.
Security concerns: between crime and natural disasters
Beyond the political dimension, the Chinese Foreign Ministry based its warning on concrete security concerns. The ministry's Consular Affairs Department stated in an official statement: "Public security in Japan has recently deteriorated, with criminal and illegal acts targeting Chinese citizens." The statement also referenced natural disasters, noting that a series of earthquakes had recently struck multiple regions of Japan, causing injuries and posing "serious threats to the safety of Chinese citizens.".
Economic and tourism repercussions
This warning is expected to cast a dark shadow over Japan's tourism sector, which relies heavily on Chinese visitors. Official Japanese statistics indicate that Chinese tourists accounted for a quarter of all foreign visitors, with nearly 7.5 million Chinese tourists visiting Japan during the first nine months of 2025.
The economic effects are already being felt, with the number of Chinese visitors falling by 45% last month compared to the previous year, a direct result of previous Chinese government advice and heightened nationalist sentiment. The absence of Chinese tourists, known for their high purchasing power, is a blow to Japan's retail and hospitality sectors, potentially complicating the economic landscape between Asia's two largest economies.
