Credited from: SCMP
Japan has issued a safety advisory to its citizens residing in China in light of increasing diplomatic tensions following Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks regarding Taiwan. The Japanese embassy in China emphasized the need for citizens to remain vigilant, particularly advising them to avoid crowded places and to be cautious when traveling alone or with children, particularly in the wake of accusations from China of meddling in its domestic affairs. This advisory has been amplified amidst China's warnings against travel to Japan, which could significantly affect Japan's economy due to the substantial number of Chinese tourists, according to South China Morning Post, The Jakarta Post, and India Times.
Takaichi sparked a diplomatic crisis when she suggested that a Chinese military action against Taiwan, perceived as a direct threat to Japan, could warrant a military response from Tokyo. Consequently, China rebuked her statements and demanded a retraction. In response to the diplomatic fallout, the Japanese government has clarified that Takaichi’s comments were hypothetical, asserting Japan's adherence to its established stance on Taiwan as outlined in the 1972 Japan-China Joint Communiqué, according to The Jakarta Post and India Times.
Amid these discussions, the situation further deteriorated when a Chinese diplomat made a threatening comment about Takaichi, prompting a strong response from Japanese authorities, who condemned the remarks. The Japanese embassy's safety notice highlights the need for citizens to respect local customs and maintain a prudent approach when interacting in public. They are also advised to leave any situation involving suspicious individuals or groups immediately, as tensions continue to escalate, according to South China Morning Post, The Jakarta Post, and India Times.
The ongoing diplomatic rift has extended into cultural spheres as well, with reports indicating that several Japanese films have had their releases postponed in China due to the backlash against Tokyo. This serves as a significant indicator of the broader implications of the heightened tensions, which have seen Japan's economic sectors affected. Chinese state media supports the narrative around China’s advisories against travel to Japan—a situation that could have lasting ramifications for diplomatic relations and economic exchanges, according to South China Morning Post, The Jakarta Post, and India Times.