Beijing demands 'thorough investigation' after Japanese armed 'soldier' breaks into Chinese embassy, threatening to kill diplomats

Article by Viory

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said in Beijing on Friday that Japan’s response to an alleged embassy intrusion by a Self-Defence Forces member was ‘far from sufficient’, urging a full investigation.

“We cannot help but ask: Who was he waiting for during his long period of hiding? What did he intend to do? The Japanese side has remained completely silent on this matter,” Lin said.

“The Japanese side has expressed deep regret to the Chinese side regarding this incident, but this is far from sufficient. We once again urge the Japanese side to conduct a thorough investigation as soon as possible,” he added.

It comes after a Japanese national, allegedly an on-duty member of the Self-Defence Forces, was detained by police earlier in the week after trespassing inside the Chinese embassy compound.

The suspect, identified as Kodai Murata, a 23-year-old officer, was reportedly carrying a knife and allegedly threatened to kill Chinese diplomats according to media reports.

“When Japanese right-wing elements first heard of this incident, they attempted to whitewash the perpetrator, believing he couldn’t possibly be a Self-Defence Force officer; however, the facts have slapped them in the face. The Japanese side has expressed deep regret to the Chinese side regarding this incident,” he added.

In the same briefing, Lin also rejected US claims that China had detained Panama-flagged ships, accusing Washington of interfering in the Panama Canal affairs. He further raised concerns about the treatment of Chinese researchers in the US and called on authorities to protect their rights.

Article by Viory