At a press conference, Japan's Minister for Economic Security, Kimiko Onoda, addressed China's call for its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan, stating, "Relying excessively on a country that immediately resorts to economic means to intimidate whenever it is dissatisfied is a risk," and expressed concern about Japan's overreliance on China for its supply chain and tourism.
According to Japanese media reports, on the 18th, in response to a question at a press conference, "The Chinese government is calling on its citizens to avoid going to Japan for study or tourism. Some economists point out that this could cause significant economic losses to Japan. What is your view on this?"
Onoda said, "Tourism falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism," but she also added, "Not only supply chains, but tourism can also become a risk. I think everyone should be considering, in their daily activities, how to mitigate such risks while promoting the economy," emphasizing the need to avoid overdependence on specific countries.
A reporter asked whether China's series of reactions were excessive. Onoda responded, "How other countries act is their own judgment, and I have no comment," but she also emphasized, "We must be aware that forming economic dependence on countries that could present such risks is a dangerous thing."
A reporter inquired about the comments made by Xue Jian, the Chinese Consul General in Osaka, regarding "beheading," with some believing he should be declared a "persona non grata," while others worry about worsening Japan-China relations. She was asked how she views Xue Jian's remarks.
“Xue Jian should not make threatening remarks towards Japanese citizens”
Onoda stated that whether the "persona non grata" designation applies is up to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and not within her jurisdiction. Ambassadors from various countries make various statements and she does not need to comment on every single one. But she also said, "However, if he is here in Japan for the purpose of friendship, I personally believe he should not make remarks that threaten Japanese citizens."
On the 7th of this month, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that if a "Taiwan contingency" involving Beijing's use of force were to occur, it could constitute a "situation threatening the survival of Japan" allowing for the exercise of collective self-defense; these remarks were interpreted externally as intent to intervene militarily in the Taiwan Strait, intensifying tensions in Japan-China relations. In response, China has since advised its citizens to temporarily avoid traveling to Japan and has issued a study abroad warning.