BEIJING, November 18, 2025 — Amid escalating rhetoric over Taiwan and mounting security concerns for its citizens abroad, China affirmed its commitment to maintaining active diplomatic channels with Japan. The statement came as Beijing continues to press Tokyo to retract comments made by a senior Japanese official regarding Taiwan, which China deems a serious violation of its sovereignty.
In a press briefing on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning addressed reports of an upcoming visit by Masaaki Kanai, director-general of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau at Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, hinting that official details regarding high-level consultations would be released promptly. This indication of ongoing engagement underscores a strategic effort by both nations to manage geopolitical friction through direct dialogue, even as tensions remain intensely elevated.
Protests Over Taiwan Remarks Intensify
The core dispute revolves around remarks concerning Taiwan attributed to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Beijing has unequivocally condemned these statements, characterizing them as “egregious” and stressing that they interfere fundamentally with China’s internal affairs.
Mao confirmed that China has filed, and will continue to lodge, “solemn representations and strong protests” with Tokyo. Beijing’s demands are definitive: Japan must acknowledge and correct what China defines as “serious mistakes,” officially withdraw the objectionable statements, and immediately cease any actions that constitute provocation on matters pertinent to China’s core interests.
The diplomatic spat highlights the volatile state of cross-strait relations, particularly as major regional powers like Japan navigate the sensitive geopolitical landscape surrounding Taiwan.
Travel Advisory Issued Amid Security Concerns
Adding further strain to bilateral relations, China recently issued an advisory urging its nationals to reconsider or postpone travel to Japan, citing what Chinese officials termed a “deteriorating public security environment.”
When questioned about the basis for the travel reminder, Mao Ning detailed several specific concerns. She referenced a recent “spate of crimes” reportedly targeting Chinese citizens within Japan. Furthermore, the spokesperson cited an increase in extreme and threatening rhetoric directed at China stemming from Japanese right-wing organizations and various online platforms.
“Given these multifaceted security concerns, the decision by relevant Chinese departments to issue timely travel reminders was wholly justified,” Mao asserted. This type of advisory, which is unusual in scale, serves a dual purpose: it informs the public and simultaneously signals Beijing’s deep dissatisfaction with the perceived lack of protection provided to its citizens and the tolerated surge in anti-China sentiment.
Key Takeaways for Travelers and Businesses:
- Risk Assessment: Chinese authorities view the security climate in Japan as increasingly complex for their nationals.
- Official Dialogue: Despite severe public criticism, diplomatic communication channels (such as high-level bureau director meetings) remain active.
- Geopolitical Focus: The Taiwan issue remains the principal flashpoint driving current bilateral friction.
While the confirmation of potential high-level talks suggests a shared desire to prevent diplomatic hostility from fully derailing the relationship, the simultaneous pressure exerted through public security warnings indicates that China is employing a strategy that balances dialogue with firm deterrence. The global community will watch closely to see if Japan addresses the security concerns and if the Kanai visit can successfully temper the escalating geopolitical dispute.