China’s embassy in Tokyo has issued its second travel advisory in recent weeks, warning Chinese citizens about alleged “unprovoked insults and beatings” targeting Chinese nationals in Japan and advising enhanced safety precautions for those already in the country. The embassy’s statement, released through its social media account, also referenced data claiming an increase in violent crimes in Japan in recent years, though these statistics have not been independently verified by international observers.
The timing and content of these advisories have led analysts to view them primarily as diplomatic tools rather than genuine safety warnings. The first advisory was issued on November 14, immediately following Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s statement that Chinese military action against Taiwan could constitute a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan potentially requiring military response. The coordination of these advisories with diplomatic tensions suggests they serve strategic rather than purely informational purposes.
The tactic of issuing travel warnings as a form of economic pressure is not new in China’s diplomatic toolbox. During the 2012 territorial dispute over uninhabited islands, similar advisories contributed to a 25% reduction in Chinese tourist numbers to Japan, causing significant economic damage. Chinese protesters also attacked Japanese businesses during that crisis, and group tours were systematically cancelled, creating lasting impacts on bilateral economic relations.
The current situation may prove even more severe given the fundamental nature of the Taiwan disagreement and the broader geopolitical context. China was on track to reclaim its pre-pandemic position as Japan’s largest source of international tourists, with over 8 million Chinese visitors in the first ten months of this year representing 23% of all arrivals. Economist Takahide Kiuchi projects that the travel advisories could cost Japan approximately $11.5 billion and reduce annual economic growth by 0.3 percentage points.
The diplomatic impasse continues with both sides maintaining firm positions. Takaichi has clarified that she was responding sincerely to hypothetical questions about specific scenarios while maintaining commitment to positive relations with China, but has not retracted the substance of her statements about Taiwan. Meanwhile, China’s foreign ministry continues to demand explicit reaffirmation of Japan’s commitment to the “One China” principle and retraction of what Beijing terms “erroneous remarks,” creating a deadlock with significant economic consequences for businesses and individuals in both countries.