China urges its nationals to avoid travelling to Japan

The Chinese Embassy in Japan has updated an advisory urging Chinese citizens to avoid travelling to Japan in the near term, following alleged assaults on Chinese nationals in Tokyo during the Tokyo Marathon. According to the embassy, several Chinese nationals were targeted on 1 March by a group of Japanese far-right individuals while watching the Tokyo street marathon. The situation was brought under control by police at the scene. Xinhua reported that, on Thursday, the Chinese embassy will lodge a protest with local police, demanding that Japanese authorities effectively protect the lawful rights and interests of its citizens in Japan. The embassy also urged Chinese citizens in Japan to heighten awareness of personal safety and strengthen self-protection measures. In emergencies, the embassy advises Chinese nationals to report to the police immediately and seek assistance from Chinese diplomatic missions in Japan.