TOKYO -- The Chinese Embassy in Japan on Friday said it has lodged representations with Japanese police following a violent robbery attack in Tokyo, urging them to swiftly solve the case and take effective measures to protect the lives and property of Chinese nationals in Japan.

Japanese media reported that a Chinese national was attacked with what appeared to be pepper spray near Tokyo's Ueno area on Thursday night, with suitcases carried by the victim and four companions stolen. The suspects remain at large.

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The embassy reiterated its advice that Chinese citizens avoid traveling to Japan for the time being, and urged those already in the country to closely monitor local public security conditions, remain vigilant, and strengthen personal safety precautions.

It also advised Chinese nationals to report incidents promptly to the police and contact Chinese diplomatic missions in Japan for assistance in the event of an emergency.