China’s Japan Travel Warning Escalates After Taiwan Remarks, Hong Kong and Macau Follow

The diplomatic temperature between China and Japan surged sharply after Sanae Takaichi — Japan’s prime minister — suggested in parliament that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could constitute a “situation threatening Japan’s survival” and might warrant a military response. In response, China’s foreign ministry and its diplomatic posts issued a rare travel advisory urging Chinese citizens to avoid travelling to Japan “in the near term,” citing deteriorating safety conditions and provocative remarks by Japanese leaders.

The advisory did not stop at mainland China. The region’s special administrative units — Macau and Hong Kong — quickly followed suit with their own travel reminders, urging residents already in Japan or planning visits to “remain vigilant, prioritise safety, monitor local announcements and follow consular advice.” Meanwhile, some Chinese airlines took immediate action: carriers including Air China, China Southern Airlines and China Eastern Airlines published policies allowing free refunds or itinerary changes for flights to Japan booked through the end of December.

From a business and tourism-industry perspective, the advisory carries substantial weight. Japan is one of the most popular destinations for Chinese tourists, and a reduction in arrivals would hit Japan’s hospitality, retail and transport sectors. For Japan, which is already navigating a complex geopolitical environment involving Taiwan, China and regional security, the move poses an added economic and reputational cost. The Japanese government promptly protested the advisory.

For travellers and travel industry stakeholders, the situation signals the need for heightened awareness and contingency planning. Chinese tourists contemplating trips to Japan must now factor in not just typical travel considerations, but also elevated geopolitical risk and potential disruptions such as flight refunds, embassy advisories and shifting diplomatic rhetoric. On the Japanese side, hotels, tour operators and retailers may need to prepare for short-term dips in Chinese visitor numbers and potentially adapt marketing or outreach strategies accordingly.