• China advises citizens to avoid travel to Japan due to safety concerns.
• Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's comments on Taiwan spark diplomatic tensions.
• Chinese airlines offer refunds for Japan-bound flights amid escalating row.
• Japan protests China’s travel advisory, urging diplomatic communication.
• Beijing emphasizes risks to Chinese citizens in Japan following recent attacks.

China has warned its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan, escalating a diplomatic dispute following remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi which suggested a potential military response to any use of force against Taiwan. In a parliamentary session on November 7, Takaichi indicated that an attack on Taiwan could threaten Japan's survival and potentially justify a military deployment, a shift from Japan’s historically ambiguous stance on the issue. This prompted immediate backlash from Beijing, leading to summoning of ambassadors from both sides, highlighting the escalating tensions, according to Channel News Asia and South China Morning Post.

The Chinese foreign ministry stated that the safety of Chinese nationals in Japan has deteriorated, corroborating this by referencing an increase in attacks against Chinese citizens in Japan during 2025. In light of these events, Beijing formally urged citizens to reconsider their travel plans to Japan, citing "significant risks to personal safety" stemming from what it deemed "provocative remarks" by Japanese leaders. This warning serves as a significant shift in China's travel advisories regarding Japan, previously encouraging tourism but now reflecting heightened concern over recent events, according to The Jakarta Post and Al Jazeera.

In reaction to the travel advisory from China, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara lodged a formal protest, asserting that such actions undermine mutual diplomatic relations. Kihara emphasized the necessity for multilayered communication in light of differing national perspectives and urged China to reassess its travel notice. Additionally, the Japanese government reiterated that its stance on Taiwan remains unchanged, consistent with agreements set forth in the Japan-China Joint Communique, highlighting the tense diplomatic landscape, according to India Times and CBS News.

Furthermore, major Chinese airlines announced policies allowing customers to change or refund tickets for flights to Japan free of charge amid the increasing tensions. This reflects a tangible impact of the diplomatic spat on the travel industry, with these companies responding rapidly to the shifting perceptions of safety among travelers. Notably, a significant rise in incidents targeting Chinese nationals in Japan reportedly contributed to the heightened travel warning, indicating a broader apprehension surrounding personal security in the region, according to South China Morning Post and Channel News Asia.