China Issues New Warning Against Travel to Japan, Cites Potential Danger After Earthquake off Aomori Pref. Coast

By Akiko Yoshinaga / Yomiuri Shimbun Correspondent

13:40 JST, December 12, 2025

The Chinese Foreign Ministry again urged its citizens on Thursday to refrain from traveling to Japan, citing Monday’s earthquake off the east coast of Aomori Prefecture.

“Relevant authorities of Japan have published notification saying there may be bigger earthquakes following this,” Guo Jiakun, a ministry spokesperson, said at a press conference. “With a sense of responsibility for Chinese nationals’ safety and health, the Chinese government has issued a timely consular alert. It is the duty of our diplomatic service to protect the safety of Chinese nationals overseas.”

In November, the Chinese government warned its citizens about travel to Japan, claiming crimes against Chinese nationals were on the rise in the country. This appears to be part of efforts to put pressure on Japan, demanding Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi withdraw her comment made at the Diet regarding a Taiwan contingency. As a result, flights between Japan and China have been reduced, and group tours have been canceled.