Archive · 15 Nov 2025
Japan Urges China to Act After Travel Warning Over Taiwan Row
Imagine China and Japan are neighbors, and they are arguing about a nearby island called Taiwan.
China believes Taiwan belongs to it and might use force to take it.
Recently, Japan's leader said that if China attacks Taiwan, it could be very dangerous for Japan too, and Japan might need to defend itself.
Because of this, China told its people not to visit Japan, saying it's not safe.
Japan is asking China to fix this situation and take 'appropriate actions.'
Both countries also had an argument over an online comment made by a Chinese official about the Japanese leader.
Japan and China are important trading partners, but they sometimes have disagreements over history and territory.
China has advised its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan following a diplomatic dispute over Taiwan.
The row was triggered by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's statement that an attack on Taiwan could pose a 'survival-threatening situation' for Japan, possibly leading to a military response.
China views Taiwan as its territory and has not ruled out using force, while Japan's position on Taiwan's security remains unchanged.
Japan has requested China to take 'appropriate measures' following the travel advisory, which it deems inconsistent with promoting a mutually beneficial relationship.
The situation also involved a provocative online comment from a Chinese consul general in Japan, to which Japan lodged a protest.
- Who
- China (government, embassy in Japan, consul general) and Japan (government, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara, ambassador).
- What
- China advised its citizens to avoid travelling to Japan due to diplomatic friction over remarks made by Japan's Prime Minister about Taiwan. Japan has urged China to take appropriate measures.
- When
- Japan's Prime Minister made remarks on November 7; China issued its travel advisory on Friday; Japan requested action on Saturday.
- Where
- Japan and China, with implications for the Taiwan Strait region.
- Why
- The friction arises from Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi's statement that an attack on Taiwan could be a 'survival-threatening situation' for Japan, which China views as a provocative remark given its claims over Taiwan. This was followed by a provocative online post by a Chinese consul general.
China's Position
Japan's Stance
Taiwan Intervention Remarks
China's Position
China discourages its citizens from visiting Japan due to comments made by Japanese leaders regarding Taiwan. Beijing views Taiwan as its territory and has not ruled out using force.
Japan's Stance
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that an attack on Taiwan could be a 'survival-threatening situation' for Japan, potentially requiring a military response. Japan has conveyed its message to China and asked for appropriate actions.
Diplomatic Communication
China's Position
China issued a travel advisory to its citizens regarding Japan, citing significant risks to personal safety and lives.
Japan's Stance
Japan has urged China to take 'appropriate measures' and acknowledged that Japan and China differ on the issue, emphasizing the importance of maintaining communication.
- China's Travel Advisory
- China cautioned its citizens against visiting Japan.
- Japanese PM's Taiwan Statement
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said an attack on Taiwan could be a 'survival-threatening situation' for Japan, possibly requiring a military response.
- Taiwan's Proximity to Japan
- Taiwan is located approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) from the nearest Japanese island.
- China's Taiwan Claim
- Beijing insists Taiwan is part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to achieve reunification.
- Japan's Diplomatic Response
- Japan urged China to take 'appropriate measures' and stressed the importance of communication despite differences.
- Consul General's Remarks
- Chinese Consul General in Osaka, Xue Jian, made a provocative online comment about 'cutting off that dirty neck', seemingly referring to Japanese PM Takaichi.
Sources
Japan trying to revive wartime militarism with its Taiwan comments, China’s top paper says
Japan trying to revive wartime militarism with Taiwan comments, China state media says
Chinese spokesperson says “Taiwan is China’s Taiwan,” signals that reunification “must” be achieved
Japan will suffer ‘crushing defeat’ if it tries to intervene over Taiwan, China military says
China–Japan tensions spike after Beijing warns of “crushing defeat” over possible Taiwan intervention
China warns Japan of ‘crushing’ defeat, tells Chinese citizens to shun visits
China asks citizens to avoid travelling to Japan as row over Taiwan grows
Japan urges China to take steps after it discouraged visits to Japan, Kyodo reports
