The People’s Republic of China has protested diplomatically to Japan over Tuesday’s incident at its embassy in Tokyo. An alleged Japanese army officer climbed over the wall in the morning and forced his way into the embassy compoundChinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a press conference in Beijing. TASR writes about it according to the AP agency.
“China is deeply shocked by the incident and has submitted official protests to the Japanese side expressing strong objections,” Lin said. “The Japanese side has failed to properly manage and discipline members of its Self-Defense Forces and has failed to fulfill its duty to ensure the safety of Chinese embassies and consulates and their staff.” he added.
Lin also requested that Japan immediately thoroughly investigate the incident, punish the person involved, provide an explanation to China, and take preventive measures. The police are investigating the case as a suspected trespass. Japan’s public broadcaster NHK said the suspect was arrested at the scene and handed over to Tokyo police. According to the TV report, no one was injured.
The man allegedly had a knife with himNHK reported. TBS television reported that he was carrying an army ID card. Tokyo police declined to confirm the report or comment on the case. Japan’s ground forces told the AP that they are aware of the report and are currently investigating it, but could not comment on it.
Tensions between the two Asian countries escalated in recent months after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s statement in November. She said a possible military action by Communist China against Taiwan could pose a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan that would require the use of force. Beijing considers self-ruled Taiwan part of its territory and has since stepped up diplomatic and trade retaliation against Tokyo.
