Archive · 27 Jan 2026
China-Japan Tensions Rise Over Taiwan
China has told its people not to go to Japan for the Lunar New Year holiday.
This is because there has been a big argument between China and Japan.
The argument started when the leader of Japan, Sanae Takaichi, said something about Taiwan that made China very angry.
China says there have been many crimes against Chinese people in Japan and also some earthquakes.
Because of this, fewer Chinese people are visiting Japan.
But many other tourists are still going to Japan.
China is happy that more people are visiting South Korea instead.
Airlines in China are letting people change or cancel their trips to Japan for free until next October.
Also, Japan has asked its fishermen to stay away from the disputed Senkaku Islands to avoid more problems with China.
These islands are claimed by both countries and are a sensitive topic.
China warned citizens against traveling to Japan due to deteriorating public security and diplomatic tensions over Taiwan.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks in November triggered a diplomatic spat, leading to export curbs and flight cancellations by China.
Chinese tourist numbers to Japan dropped by 45% in December 2025, with around 330,000 visitors.
Japan has quietly urged fishermen to avoid the disputed Senkaku Islands to prevent a potential escalation with China.
Takaichi stated that Japan's alliance with the U.S. would collapse if Tokyo ignored a conflict in Taiwan, but distanced herself from previous comments suggesting a military response.
- Who
- Chinese citizens, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Chinese government, Japanese fishermen
- What
- Travel warning issued by China against Japan, diplomatic tension between China and Japan, requests to Japanese fishermen to avoid Senkaku Islands
- When
- Warning issued on January 26, 2026, during Lunar New Year holiday period, requests to fishermen began late 2025
- Where
- China and Japan, Senkaku Islands in East China Sea
- Why
- Deteriorating public security in Japan, diplomatic spat over Taiwan, earthquakes in Japan, potential escalation with China
- Diplomatic Tension Trigger
- Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi's November remark on Taiwan
- Chinese Tourist Decline
- 45% drop in December 2025
- Chinese Tourists in Japan (2025)
- 7.5 million in first nine months
- Chinese Spending in Japan (Q3 2025)
- $3.7 billion
- Lunar New Year Holiday
- Nine-day holiday in February
- Airlines' Policy Extension
- Free changes/cancellations until October 24, 2026
- China-South Korea Tourism
- Increase in two-way tourism
- Senkaku Islands
- Disputed islands in East China Sea
- US-Japan Security Treaty
- US pledges to defend Senkaku Islands
Sources
China Warns Citizens Against Travelling To Japan During Lunar New Year
China warns citizens against Japan visits during longest annual holiday
Fearing China clash, Japan asks fishermen to avoid flashpoint islands
Japan-US alliance would crumble if Tokyo ignored Taiwan crisis, PM Takaichi says
Japan asks fishermen to avoid flashpoint waters amid rising tensions with China
