China warns citizens against travelling to Japan, some airlines offer free flight refunds

China has warned its citizens to avoid visiting Japan following remarks made by the Japanese prime minister.

According to Bloomberg, Chinese airlines such as China Air, China Southern, and China Eastern have issued statements allowing ticket holders to refund or change their Japan flights from Nov. 15.

Remarks made

Reuters reported Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi started a "row" with Beijing following comments made in the Japanese parliament on Nov. 7.

She said an attack on Taiwan by the Chinese could amount to a "survival-threatening situation" and trigger a military response from Tokyo.

China's Consul General Xue Jia in Osaka then shared a news article in a now-deleted tweet that said "the dirty neck that sticks itself in must be cut off".

The Japanese foreign ministry summoned the Chinese ambassador to Japan and "made a strong protest regarding the highly inappropriate remarks" made by Xue.

Reuters reported that some senior Japanese political figures have called for Xue's expulsion.

Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin added that the Japanese prime minister's words were "extremely irresponsible and dangerous".

On Nov. 14, the Chinese Embassy in Japan posted on WeChat, warning its citizens to avoid travelling to Japan.

It stated that there has been a rise in attacks and crimes against Chinese nationals in Japan and noted that the safety of its citizens "continues to deteriorate".

Refunds

Airlines such as Air China, China Southern, and China Eastern have issued statements regarding the handling of plane tickets to Japan in accordance with the advisory issued by the foreign ministry, Bloomberg reported.

According to Air China's website, travellers can apply for a refund free of charge.

Top photos via Canva