Japan says military member’s break-in at Chinese embassy in Tokyo is regrettable, as Beijing lodges a strong protest over the security incident.
TOKYO: Japan has described a break-in at the Chinese embassy in Tokyo by a member of its military as “truly regrettable”.
The incident has further strained bilateral relations, already tense since Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent comments on Taiwan.
Japan’s top government spokesman Minoru Kihara confirmed the arrest of a Self-Defense Forces member on suspicion of trespassing.
“We will take necessary steps to prevent any recurrence of such incidents,” he told a press conference.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Beijing was “deeply shocked” and had lodged a strong protest.
The suspect, identified as 23-year-old Kodai Murata, was arrested on Tuesday after entering embassy grounds around 9:00 am.
According to the Yomiuri Shimbun, the suspect told police he wanted to meet the ambassador to ask him to refrain from hardline remarks.
He allegedly added that if his request was rejected, he “wanted to surprise him by killing myself”.
Japan’s national broadcaster NHK reported that a knife was later found at the scene.
Kihara stated that police are investigating and have implemented measures to strengthen embassy security.
Ties deteriorated after Takaichi suggested in November that Japan might intervene militarily if China tried to take Taiwan.
China, which claims the self-ruled island as part of its territory, was furious over the remarks.