"China-Japan relations rapidly cooling... Concerns mounting"
"Economic and private exchanges between the two countries could be seriously affected"
Amid escalating diplomatic tensions triggered by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks regarding Taiwan, China has issued a warning to Chinese students studying in Japan about potential risks, following its travel ban.
On the 16th, several Chinese media outlets, including Global Times and China.com.cn, reported, "Prime Minister Takaichi's remarks have caused a sharp cooling in China-Japan relations, raising concerns over the economy and exchanges."
On November 7, Prime Minister Takaichi stated during a session of the House of Representatives Budget Committee that a contingency involving Taiwan could be considered a "situation threatening the survival of the nation," which would allow Japan to exercise its right to collective self-defense. This drew strong opposition from China. Considering Taiwan as part of its territory, China criticized Prime Minister Takaichi for interfering in its internal affairs and demanded a retraction of her remarks.
On November 13, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "Prime Minister Takaichi's remarks violate the basic norms of international relations and constitute a blatant interference in China's internal affairs," adding, "If these reckless comments are not withdrawn, Japan must take full responsibility for all possible consequences." The ministry also said that Prime Minister Takaichi's remarks have damaged the atmosphere of China-Japan exchanges and advised against traveling to Japan.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi attending the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit. Photo by Yonhap News.
According to reports that day, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in Japan have recently advised Chinese nationals in Japan to closely monitor local security conditions and heighten their awareness of safety. In accordance with Chinese government guidelines, Air China, China Southern Airlines, and China Eastern Airlines have announced that cancellation fees for flights to Japan will be waived. In response, Minoru Kihara, Chief Cabinet Secretary and government spokesperson for Japan, lodged a protest against the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs' travel advisory on November 15 and urged the Chinese government to "take appropriate measures."
Shang Haoyu, a research fellow at the Asia-Pacific Research Institute, stated in an interview with Chinese media, "The future of China-Japan relations depends on how much the Japanese opposition parties can rein in Prime Minister Takaichi's 'reckless actions.' While economic cooperation between China and Japan has played a balancing role, the ruling party's hostile stance could seriously undermine economic and civil exchanges between the two countries going forward."
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