Beijing: China on Monday urged its citizens to refrain from traveling to Japan as the Chinese New Year holiday approaches, citing rising criminal cases targeting its nationals and earthquake risks. The advisory comes as part of precautionary measures ahead of the Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, which is celebrated from February 17 to March 3.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Chinese Foreign Ministry released a statement advising its citizens to avoid travel to Japan in the near future. The ministry highlighted the recent deterioration in public security within Japan, pointing out an increase in crimes specifically targeting Chinese nationals. Additionally, a series of earthquakes in Japan has heightened concerns about potential injuries and disasters.

The advisory also urged Chinese nationals currently residing in Japan to stay informed about local public security conditions and to remain vigilant about early-warning information on earthquakes and other potential threats.

This is not the first time China has issued a travel advisory against Japan. The initial advisory was issued in November 2025 following controversial remarks made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan. Takaichi's comments suggested that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could be considered a 'survival-threatening situation,' which might legally permit Japan to exercise its right to collective self-defense. These statements were met with strong opposition from Beijing.

In response to the strained relations, China advised against travel to Japan and imposed a ban on Japanese seafood imports, among other measures. Despite the tensions, Prime Minister Takaichi expressed a willingness on Monday to engage in direct talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in an effort to address the ongoing bilateral issues and concerns over Taiwan.