China tells citizens to avoid Japan travel as Taiwan row grows

China has advised its citizens to avoid travelling to Japan, following a diplomatic feud sparked by comments by Tokyo's new premier about a hypothetical attack on Taiwan.

In response, Tokyo urged Beijing on Saturday (November 15, 2025) to take “appropriate measures sources reported.

In an ongoing dispute over Taiwan, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told parliament on November 7, 2025, that use of force against the self-ruled island claimed by China could warrant a military response from Tokyo.

On Friday (November 14), Beijing said that it had summoned Japan's ambassador, while Tokyo said it had summoned China's ambassador after an "inappropriate" and now-removed online post.

Tokyo has since said its position on Taiwan  just 100 kilometres (62 miles) from the nearest Japanese island — is unchanged.

In an online post late Friday (November 14), China's embassy in Japan warned its citizens against travelling to the country.

Beijing insists Taiwan which Japan occupied for decades until 1945 is part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to seize control.

China and Japan are key trading partners, but historical mistrust and friction over territorial rivalries and military spending often test those ties.

Sanae Takaichi, a conservative and China hawk, has toned down her rhetoric since assuming office last month. But just weeks into her administration, the neighbours are at odds.

Addressing parliament on November 7,Sanae Takaichi said that an armed attack on Taiwan could warrant sending troops to the island under "collective self-defence".

If an emergency in Taiwan entails "battleships and the use of force, then that could constitute a situation threatening the survival (of Japan), any way you slice it", she said.

Security legislation passed in 2015 allows Japan to exercise the right to "collective self-defence" under certain conditions including if there was a clear danger to the country's survival.