Manzar Naqvi
KARACHI: China has issued a strong advisory urging its citizens-especially students-to reconsider studying in Japan, citing what it claims is a deteriorating security environment and growing risks for Chinese nationals. The move comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent remarks on Taiwan, which Beijing has sharply criticized.
In a series of statements released on Sunday, China’s Ministry of Education and other government departments warned that public safety conditions in Japan have “worsened,” alleging an increase in crimes targeting Chinese citizens. While Chinese authorities did not provide specific crime statistics, they said the trend reflects an increasingly “unfavorable environment” for Chinese students and travelers.
The advisory urges Chinese nationals currently studying in Japan, as well as those planning to enroll in Japanese institutions, to “carefully assess risks, strengthen safety awareness, and make prudent plans.” As of May 2024, more than 123,000 Chinese students were studying in Japan, according to the Japan Student Services Organization.
The escalation in warnings follows Beijing’s anger over Prime Minister Takaichi’s remarks in the Japanese Diet on Nov. 7, where she suggested that a Taiwan emergency involving military force could constitute a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan under its security laws. China has condemned the comments as implying possible Japanese involvement in a Taiwan contingency.
State-run media in China has intensified its criticism of Takaichi, accusing her of adopting a hostile stance toward China and pursuing policies that risk “reviving Japan’s militarist past.” Xinhua News Agency said her “extremely erroneous and hostile remarks” have raised global alarm, portraying her approach as part of a broader attempt by Japanese right-wing forces to undermine Japan’s postwar pacifist framework.
Chinese experts cited by state-linked media have suggested that Beijing may consider additional retaliatory measures, such as blacklisting Japanese politicians, suspending diplomatic exchanges, or even taking military counter-actions.
The safety concerns are not limited to mainland China. On Saturday, Hong Kong authorities issued a travel advisory warning residents about a reported rise in attacks targeting Chinese nationals in Japan since mid-2025. The Hong Kong government urged travelers to remain vigilant and monitor official updates.
Japan remains a major destination for Chinese tourists; in 2024, visitors from Hong Kong alone totaled 2.68 million. However, analysts fear the warnings could damage Japan’s economy. Takahide Kiuchi, executive economist at Nomura Research Institute, estimated that China’s travel alert may inflict economic losses of up to ¥2.2 trillion (USD 14 billion).
Despite the warnings, reactions among travelers appear mixed. At Beijing Capital International Airport on Sunday, a Chinese traveler heading to Narita Airport said he planned to shorten his visit due to the alerts. Others expressed little concern.
China’s Education Ministry reiterated that the purpose of the alert is to safeguard students and ensure they make informed decisions. “Public security issues and the rise in crimes targeting Chinese citizens pose real risks,” the ministry stated, urging students to re-evaluate their study plans and take all necessary precautions.
The tightening advisories underscore the worsening diplomatic climate between Beijing and Tokyo, with education and tourism emerging as new pressure points in the broader geopolitical confrontation.
