TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — China’s recent travel advisory urging citizens to reconsider trips to Japan over tensions regarding Taiwan has met mixed reactions, with some Chinese tourists and students continuing their visits, Nikkei Asia reported.
The advisory followed Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s Nov. 7 remarks in parliament, warning that Chinese military action against Taiwan could pose an “existential threat” to Japan and might prompt military responses.
Despite the warning, travelers continue to arrive in Japan. At Tokyo’s Haneda Airport on Tuesday, a steady stream of Chinese visitors was observed.
A Chinese man in his 20s visiting from Shanghai for the fourth time told Nikkei Asia the advisory would not affect him. “Even if there is a conflict between governments, it shouldn’t affect individual travel,” he said, noting social media showed mixed opinions, with some travelers canceling plans.
A 32-year-old woman acknowledged her family’s concerns but described the situation as a national-level issue with limited impact on ordinary travelers. A 35-year-old visitor planning a 10-day trip to Tokyo and Nagoya said, “Japan feels safe, and the people are kind,” adding he would not let the advisory stop him.
Some Chinese travel agencies have temporarily halted new tours to Japan. However, many travelers go independently, and group tours accounted for only about 10% of Chinese visitors last year, according to the Japan Tourism Agency.
Japan remains a top destination for Chinese students. As of May last year, around 120,000 Chinese students were enrolled, the highest number from any country and roughly 37% of all foreign students.
An official from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology said the advisory has had little impact so far.
A private university in the Kanto region reported issuing around 50 acceptance letters for Chinese students for next spring, with no withdrawals. Most students have completed Japanese language programs and made extensive preparations, making cancellations unlikely, a university representative said.
Some students considering short-term programs or language schools may hesitate, with a few withdrawals reported from another university’s two-week study-abroad program, likely due to limited information and parental concerns. Long-term programs beginning next spring appear unaffected.
