China Has Warned Its Citizens to Avoid Japan Amid Escalating Tensions Over PM's Comments On Taiwan
In a move that further heightens tensions between the two Asian giants, China has advised its citizens to stay away from Japan due to the country's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's comments on Taiwan. The decision comes after Beijing summoned Japan's ambassador and the Japanese government responded by summoning China's ambassador in an attempt to diffuse the situation.
Takaichi sparked a diplomatic row last week when she stated that if an attack were launched on Taiwan, Tokyo would be prepared to respond militarily under collective self-defence. Her comments drew comparisons with Japan's long-standing policy of strategic ambiguity on Taiwan, where previous prime ministers have avoided making direct statements about the island's defence.
However, Takaichi has insisted that her remarks were consistent with Tokyo's stance and she had no intention of retracting them. Despite this, China is not backing down, claiming that Taiwan is part of its territory and warning that it would not hesitate to use force to seize control.
The diplomatic spat between Japan and China over Taiwan has been ongoing for years, but the comments by Takaichi have brought things to a head. While both countries are key trading partners, historical mistrust and territorial rivalries continue to plague their relations.
In response to Takaichi's comments, Beijing has taken steps to restrict Chinese citizens' ability to travel in Japan. China's embassy in Tokyo posted an official warning on its website, stating that the situation posed "significant risks" to the personal safety of Chinese citizens in Japan and advising them to avoid traveling to the country.
The tensions between the two countries have been fueled by a long-standing dispute over Taiwan, which was occupied by Japan from 1937 to 1945. China claims sovereignty over Taiwan, while Japan has maintained that it is not entitled to make territorial claims on the island.
The situation remains volatile, with both sides maintaining their positions and showing little signs of backing down.
In a move that further heightens tensions between the two Asian giants, China has advised its citizens to stay away from Japan due to the country's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's comments on Taiwan. The decision comes after Beijing summoned Japan's ambassador and the Japanese government responded by summoning China's ambassador in an attempt to diffuse the situation.
Takaichi sparked a diplomatic row last week when she stated that if an attack were launched on Taiwan, Tokyo would be prepared to respond militarily under collective self-defence. Her comments drew comparisons with Japan's long-standing policy of strategic ambiguity on Taiwan, where previous prime ministers have avoided making direct statements about the island's defence.
However, Takaichi has insisted that her remarks were consistent with Tokyo's stance and she had no intention of retracting them. Despite this, China is not backing down, claiming that Taiwan is part of its territory and warning that it would not hesitate to use force to seize control.
The diplomatic spat between Japan and China over Taiwan has been ongoing for years, but the comments by Takaichi have brought things to a head. While both countries are key trading partners, historical mistrust and territorial rivalries continue to plague their relations.
In response to Takaichi's comments, Beijing has taken steps to restrict Chinese citizens' ability to travel in Japan. China's embassy in Tokyo posted an official warning on its website, stating that the situation posed "significant risks" to the personal safety of Chinese citizens in Japan and advising them to avoid traveling to the country.
The tensions between the two countries have been fueled by a long-standing dispute over Taiwan, which was occupied by Japan from 1937 to 1945. China claims sovereignty over Taiwan, while Japan has maintained that it is not entitled to make territorial claims on the island.
The situation remains volatile, with both sides maintaining their positions and showing little signs of backing down.