China’s travel warnings for Japan evoke mixed reactions at home
String of official advisories has made some Chinese tourists wary while others are on the lookout for bargain airfares as spat spirals
Tensions escalated following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks earlier this month that suggested Tokyo could deploy its military forces in the event of a conflict in the Taiwan Strait. Beijing has reacted with anger, including summoning the Japanese ambassador to protest against Takaichi’s “egregiously wrong and highly dangerous” comments.
On Friday, China’s foreign ministry urged Chinese tourists to avoid Japan “in the near term”, citing safety concerns, with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism making similar calls on Sunday.
Also on Sunday, the Ministry of Education issued an advisory urging Chinese citizens to reconsider studying in Japan.
Given the rising tensions, the release of two Japanese films in China had been postponed, state media reported on Monday.
The travel warnings come at a time when Chinese tourists flock to Japan for the popular autumn foliage season, with central areas like Tokyo and Kyoto typically known for the best colours from mid-November to early December. Some have also made plans for the New Year holiday.