China Warns of Retaliation as Japan's PM Stirs Taiwan Tensions, Travel Advisories Issued

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A diplomatic row between China and Japan has escalated, with Beijing warning of stern countermeasures if Tokyo refuses to retract comments made by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan. The remarks, made before lawmakers this month, suggested that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could trigger a military response from Japan, prompting China to advise its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan. The tensions stem from Takaichi's statement that a potential crisis in Taiwan could pose a threat to Japan's survival, warranting a military response. China claims Taiwan as its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to seize control. In response, China summoned Japan's ambassador and issued a travel warning, while Tokyo summoned China's ambassador in a separate incident. The diplomatic clash has already taken a toll on trade and tourism between the two nations. A Tokyo-based tour operator, East Japan International Travel Service, has reported an 80% loss in bookings for the remainder of the year, citing the travel warning issued by China. State-owned firms have also advised employees to avoid travel to Japan, and several companies have sent cautionary messages to staff. The China-Japan relationship is complex, with historical mistrust and friction over territorial rivalries. Japan's position on Taiwan remains unchanged, with the country reaffirming its commitment to collective self-defense. The situation remains fragile, with concerns that China could use trade as a weapon in the dispute, as it has done in the past with other countries.