Japan Warns Nationals In China As Beijing Halts Japanese Film Screenings Amid Rising Tensions

Last Updated:November 18, 2025, 18:32 IST

Chinese distributors have paused the release of at least two upcoming Japanese films, a move state broadcaster CCTV described as a “prudent decision”

Japanese police officers stand guard at the entrance of the Chinese embassy in Tokyo | Reuters Image

Japan has urged its citizens in China to heighten safety precautions and avoid large gatherings as a diplomatic rift with Beijing widens following Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent comments on Taiwan.

The warning comes as Chinese authorities suspend screenings of Japanese films and encourage the public to reconsider travel to Japan, deepening strains between the two major Asian powers.

The dispute began after Takaichi told Japanese lawmakers that a Chinese attack on Taiwan threatening Japan’s survival could potentially warrant a military response, remarks that triggered one of the sharpest diplomatic clashes in years.

A senior Japanese official travelled to Beijing on Tuesday to ease tensions, but both sides signalled that an immediate resolution was unlikely.

China’s foreign ministry said it pressed Tokyo to retract the comments, while Japan’s chief cabinet secretary, Minoru Kihara, insisted the remarks aligned with Japan’s long-held policy and stressed that Tokyo continued to seek a peaceful, dialogue-based outcome to issues surrounding Taiwan.

Beijing considers the self-governed island part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to bring it under its control, a claim Taiwan firmly rejects.

The controversy escalated after a Chinese diplomat in Japan posted a menacing comment about Takaichi on social media.

Tokyo lodged a strong protest, but Chinese state media continued to launch fierce attacks on the prime minister, with Xinhua accusing her of “summoning Japan’s militarist demons."

As tensions intensified, Beijing urged its citizens to avoid travel to Japan, raising concerns about economic fallout.

Chinese tourists make up nearly a quarter of all visitors to Japan, and the warning quickly impacted business sentiment, sending tourism-related stocks tumbling.

More than 10 Chinese airlines, including Air China, China Eastern and China Southern, offered refunds on Japan-bound tickets through the end of the year, while Sichuan Airlines scrapped plans to launch a Chengdu–Sapporo route until at least March.

Industry reports estimate that hundreds of thousands of Chinese travellers have already cancelled trips amid suspended visa processing and stalled cultural exchanges.

Under pressure from business groups alarmed by the economic fallout, Tokyo dispatched a senior envoy to Beijing this week in an effort to cool tempers.

The diplomatic chill has also spread to the entertainment sector.

Chinese distributors have paused the release of at least two upcoming Japanese films, a move state broadcaster CCTV described as a “prudent decision" reflecting shifting public sentiment.

Animated film Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: Super Hot! Scorching Kasukabe Dancers and the live-action adaptation Cells at Work! are among the titles no longer set to open in mainland theaters in the coming weeks.

With Japan heavily reliant on China for crucial mineral supplies and tourism revenue, the widening fallout underscores the fragility of bilateral ties at a time of heightened regional security tensions.

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