A Hong Kong private kindergarten operator has changed the destination of a study tour from Tokyo to Chengdu, citing a government warning issued amid escalating tensions between China and Japan.
A notice from Victoria Educational Organisation, which runs eight campuses of kindergartens and nurseries in the city, and its parent-teacher association was circulated online, revealing the announcement that was later confirmed by the Post on Tuesday.
“In light of the recent advisory from the [Hong Kong government] urging travellers to Japan to remain vigilant and exercise caution, as well as updated information from the Security Bureau under the ‘Outbound Travel Alert System’, we have carefully reviewed the overall safety and prevailing uncertainties,” it said on Monday.
“After thorough consideration, we have decided to relocate the tour to Chengdu, Sichuan, China, to ensure the safety of parents and children.”
The notice also said that details of the new itinerary would be released within this week.
Tensions have risen after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said earlier this month that her country might consider military action if Beijing attempted to invade or blockade Taiwan.
AloJapan.com