Chinese tourists and students have expressed mixed reactions to Beijing’s travel and education advisories on Japan amid a spiralling diplomatic clash, with some downplaying the concerns as a peak travel season approaches.
Advertisement
Tensions have escalated following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent remarks that Tokyo could deploy its military forces in the event of a conflict in the Taiwan Strait. Beijing has reacted with anger, including summoning the Japanese ambassador to protest against Takaichi’s “egregiously wrong and highly dangerous” comments.
On Friday, China’s foreign ministry issued a statement urging Chinese tourists to avoid Japan “in the near term”, citing safety concerns, with the culture and tourism ministry issuing a similar circular on Sunday.
Also on Sunday, the education ministry issued an advisory urging Chinese citizens to reconsider studying in Japan.
Given the rising tensions, the release of two Japanese films in China had been postponed, state media reported on Monday.
Advertisement
The travel warnings come at a time when Chinese tourists flock to Japan for the popular autumn foliage season, with central areas like Tokyo and Kyoto typically known for the best colours from mid-November to early December. Some have also made plans for the New Year holiday.