BEIJING, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Sunday advised its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan, citing security concerns.

In a statement published on its official website, the ministry cited the travel advisory issued by the Chinese foreign ministry, which referred to a deteriorating security environment for Chinese citizens in Japan as well as recent provocative remarks made by the Japanese leader regarding China's Taiwan.

The statement advised Chinese tourists to avoid traveling to Japan at this time and recommended that those already in Japan closely monitor the local security situation, heighten safety awareness, strengthen self-protection, and promptly contact local police or the Chinese embassy and consulates in Japan to seek assistance in case of emergency.