China's Foreign Ministry has reiterated a travel advisory urging citizens to avoid Japan during the Lunar New Year holiday from February 15 to 23, 2026. Officials cited deteriorating public security, a rise in crimes targeting Chinese nationals, and frequent earthquakes, but the advisory comes amid escalating tensions with Tokyo over comments by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Taiwan.

The warning has already affected travel. Chinese visitors to Japan dropped 45 percent in December 2025 compared to the prior year, falling to around 330,000. Airlines including Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern extended free cancellations for Japan flights through October 2026. Analysts say Beijing’s move is largely diplomatic retaliation for Takaichi’s Taiwan remarks, following export curbs, flight restrictions, and harsh state media criticism. China’s defense ministry also warned Tokyo of a crushing defeat if it intervenes militarily over Taiwan.

While crime and earthquakes are cited as reasons, independent travelers continue booking, showing the advisory’s limits. The move reflects a broader pattern of China using economic tools, including tourism and trade restrictions, against countries challenging its Taiwan claims. The Lunar New Year is a crucial period for Japan’s retail, hospitality, and tourism sectors, and a prolonged slump could seriously hurt businesses reliant on Chinese visitors.