China advises citizens to avoid travel to Japan

International

Beijing cites security concerns and earthquake risks as tensions with Tokyo remain high

China has urged its citizens to refrain from travelling to Japan in the coming weeks, issuing a renewed travel notice ahead of the Spring Festival holiday period. The advisory comes as large numbers of people traditionally travel abroad for Chinese New Year, which this year runs from 17 February to 3 March.

In a statement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said it was recommending that nationals avoid trips to Japan in the near future. The warning points to a deterioration in public security and an increase in criminal cases affecting Chinese citizens, alongside concerns over recent earthquakes that have resulted in injuries.

Security and natural disaster concerns

According to the ministry, crimes targeting Chinese nationals have risen in recent weeks. In addition, a series of earthquakes has heightened safety risks, prompting authorities to stress caution. Chinese citizens already in Japan were advised to pay close attention to local security conditions and to monitor early-warning information related to earthquakes and other natural disasters.

The current notice builds on an earlier advisory issued in November 2025, when Beijing first warned against travel to Japan. That earlier step marked a significant escalation in official guidance and reflected a broader cooling of bilateral relations.

Political backdrop to the advisory

Relations between China and Japan have been strained since comments made last year by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan. At the time, Takaichi stated that a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan could constitute a situation threatening Japan’s survival, potentially allowing Tokyo to exercise collective self-defence. The remarks drew sharp criticism from Beijing.

In response, China advised its citizens against travelling to Japan and reinstated a ban on Japanese seafood imports, among other measures. The travel warning has since remained in place and has now been reinforced ahead of the peak holiday season.

Signals of possible dialogue

Despite the ongoing tensions, there were indications of a potential diplomatic opening. On Monday, Prime Minister Takaichi said she was willing to hold direct talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, signalling readiness for dialogue amid continued disagreements over Taiwan.

For now, however, Beijing’s message to its citizens remains clear: travel to Japan should be avoided in the near term, and those already there are urged to exercise heightened caution.