Japan on Wednesday called it “regrettable” that a member of its military was arrested on suspicion of breaking into the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo, a development that prompted a formal protest from Beijing as ties between the two countries deteriorate.
The alleged incident occurred Tuesday morning. Japanese authorities say the suspect, a 23-year-old who identified himself as a member of the Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF), scaled the embassy compound wall and was arrested at about 9 a.m. He told police he had hoped to meet the Chinese ambassador to urge him to refrain from making hardline remarks and said, according to media reports, “If that request was rejected, I wanted to surprise him by killing myself.” A knife was later reported found at the scene.
“It is truly regrettable that a Self-Defense Forces member, who is expected to comply with the law, has been arrested on suspicion” of entering the embassy, government spokesperson Minoru Kihara said. He added that police are investigating, have taken measures to strengthen embassy security and will take steps to prevent a recurrence.
China’s Foreign Ministry said it was “deeply shocked” and lodged “a strong protest with the Japanese side,” accusing the military personnel of threatening to kill diplomats and urging Japan to apply the full weight of the law. The Chinese Embassy is cooperating with Tokyo police, Beijing said.
The incident comes amid a broader chill in Sino-Japanese relations. Tensions have risen in recent months after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s comments about Taiwan and Japan’s possible military response if China attacked the island, as well as disputes involving export controls and maritime incidents. Edited by: Wesley Dockery