BEIJING (Kyodo) -- The Chinese government on Sunday urged its citizens to carefully reconsider studying in Japan, citing what it described as an unstable security environment in the country.

The move is seen as part of Beijing's response to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent remarks in parliament, strongly criticized by China, regarding a Taiwan contingency.

Public security in Japan has deteriorated in recent months, the Chinese government said in a statement, claiming a rise in criminal activities targeting Chinese nationals indicates they are less safe in Japan.

The government also said it calls on Chinese students already in Japan, as well as those planning to study there in the future, to closely monitor the security situation, strengthen their risk assessments and be more aware of personal safety.

Earlier this month, Takaichi said a Taiwan emergency involving the use of military force could pose a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan under its security legislation. The law, if certain conditions are met, allows Japan to exercise the right of collective self-defense.

On Friday, China also urged its citizens to avoid visiting Japan as an apparent retaliatory measure after Takaichi's remarks.