Gov’t warns residents to remain vigilant when traveling to Japan, following Beijing

Following the unexpected release of a notice by the Chinese authorities on Friday, advising Chinese citizens to “temporarily refrain from traveling to Japan,” and a similar advisory issued by Hong Kong, the Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) has also urged Macau residents planning to visit Japan or already there to exercise heightened vigilance and prioritize their safety.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular Department issued a sudden notice on Friday evening urging Chinese citizens to temporarily avoid traveling to Japan.

Japanese media reported that this directive stems from China’s dissatisfaction with remarks made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding “Taiwan contingencies,” indicating that any use of force could lead to a “life-or-death crisis situation” under Japan’s security law, which allows for the exercise of collective self-defense rights.

The notice pointed out increasing instability in Japan’s social order since the beginning of the year, citing a rise in criminal cases targeting Chinese citizens. There have been multiple attacks on Chinese nationals, some of which remain unresolved.

The Consular Department noted that recent provocative statements by a Japanese leader concerning Taiwan have further soured China-Japan relations, posing significant risks to the safety and well-being of Chinese citizens in Japan.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry reiterated that it “solemnly advises citizens to avoid traveling to Japan at this time.” Those already in Japan are urged to monitor local security conditions closely, increase safety awareness, and enhance protective measures. In case of emergencies, they should contact local police and reach out to Chinese diplomatic missions for assistance.

Following this notice, several Chinese airlines announced urgent measures to provide free cancellation and rescheduling services for passengers holding tickets to Japan.

On Saturday, Hong Kong authorities urged residents traveling to Japan to exercise caution and stay informed through the Chinese Consulate, following an increase in reports of attacks on Chinese citizens in Japan, as noted by the Hong Kong Security Bureau. Meanwhile, the MGTO reminded local residents currently in Japan or planning visits to remain vigilant.

Air Macau announced special ticketing arrangements for its Macau-Japan routes, allowing passengers who purchased tickets before November 15, for travel between November 15 and December 31, to make one complimentary involuntary flight date change. In line with the arrangement, this adjustment can be made for flights within 30 days before or after the original departure date, covering changes without additional fees for cabin class differences or peak/off-peak pricing. Additionally, passengers can request refunds for involuntary cancellations without incurring fees.

A special reminder concerning travel to Japan is currently posted on the MGTO website.

Japan protests travel advisory over Taiwan remarks 

Japan raised objections Saturday after China advised its citizens to avoid visiting Japan, as a feud over the new Japanese leader›s remarks on Taiwan showed no signs of dying down.

The government in Tokyo lodged a protest and its top spokesperson, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara, urged China to take “appropriate measures,” Japan’s Kyodo News Service reported.

Kihara told reporters that it is precisely because of the differences between the two governments that multilayered communication is essential, a Kyodo report said.

China has repeatedly recommended its nationals take security precautions when in Japan over the past year, but the latest announcement appeared to be stronger in advising against travel, according to notices posted on the website of its embassy in Tokyo.

Japan is an immensely popular destination for Chinese tourists, providing a much-needed economic boost but also sparking an anti-China and anti-foreigner backlash from some.

It’s unclear what impact the advisory will have on the willingness of Chinese to visit Japan, but several Chinese airlines offered no-penalty refunds on previously sold tickets to Japan following the government’s announcement.

The dispute suggests that Japan’s already fragile relations with China could turn rocky under Takaichi, who supports building up the military to counter potential threats from Beijing and its claims to contested territory in nearby waters in the western Pacific. MDT/AP