Tokyo: Japan has urged China to take steps to ease tensions after Beijing advised its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan. The appeal came as relations between the two countries grew strained following strong remarks from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi about a possible conflict over Taiwan.

China issued a travel warning earlier this week, saying its citizens should reconsider trips to Japan and stay alert if already in the country. Beijing said it was concerned about what it called a rise in incidents affecting Chinese nationals. The move followed Prime Minister Takaichi’s statement that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could threaten Japan’s security and might require a military response.

Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said communication with China must continue even during disagreements. He stressed that both sides should work to prevent the situation from worsening.

China strongly criticized the Japanese prime minister’s comments and demanded that she retract what it described as unacceptable interference in its internal affairs. Chinese officials warned that any military involvement from Japan in a Taiwan conflict would be met with firm retaliation.

The exchange marks one of the sharpest diplomatic confrontations between the two countries in recent months. Japan has traditionally avoided direct statements about Taiwan, but the government’s recent comments reflect its growing concern about regional security.

Analysts say the dispute could affect tourism and business links if the travel advisory remains in place. Both sides have signaled that they want to avoid further escalation, but tensions remain high as the region watches how the situation develops.