China cancels flights to Japan, cites rise in 'crimes targeting Chinese citizens'

China has cancelled some flights to Japan, while airlines continue to extend refunds to travellers.

According to China Daily, all scheduled flights on 49 air routes between China and Japan have been cancelled for February.

The Chinese news site added that the cancellation rate for flights from mainland China to Japan was 47.2 per cent.

This comes after the Chinese foreign ministry warned locals against travelling to Japan during the Lunar New Year holidays.

According to Reuters, the ministry released a statement warning Chinese nationals that they would "face serious security threats in Japan", citing earthquakes and "a surge in crimes targeting Chinese citizens".

A quick check by Mothership found that some China Eastern Airlines flights from major Chinese hubs to various Japanese cities were cancelled in February 2026.

In a statement on Jan. 26, China Southern Airlines announced its policy for flights to and from Japan, allowing passengers with valid tickets to change their tickets or receive free refunds for flights departing or arriving in Japan between Mar. 29 and Oct. 24.

Ongoing row

In November 2025, China warned its citizens to avoid visiting Japan following remarks made by the Japanese prime minister.

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".

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