Japan has warned its citizens in China to be careful of their surroundings and to avoid big crowds, as a diplomatic row spirals over Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's comments on Taiwan.

The escalating spat has already seen Beijing advise Chinese citizens to avoid travelling to Japan and hit Tokyo stocks.

The screenings of at least two Japanese movies will also be postponed in China, state media reported.

"Pay attention to your surroundings and avoid as much as possible squares where large crowds gather, or places that are likely to be identified as being used by many Japanese people," the Japanese embassy in China said in a statement on its website dated Monday, local time.

Beijing on Tuesday, local time, vowed to "protect the safety" of foreigners in China, but said it had again lodged

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