Beijing Demands Investigation into Intruder Entering Chinese Embassy in Tokyo
Beijing (ANTARA) - China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested a comprehensive investigation into the incident where an intruder, reportedly a member of Japan’s Self-Defence Forces, entered the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo.
“China urges the Japanese side to promptly conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, fully apply the law to the perpetrator, and provide a complete explanation of the incident,” said Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Lin Jian during a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday (24/3).
The intruder broke into the Chinese Embassy compound in Tokyo’s Minato District on Tuesday (24/3) morning. He was apprehended at the scene by embassy staff.
A knife was found at the scene, although no embassy staff or other individuals were injured.
Japanese media reported the intruder as a member of the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (SDF).
“China is highly shocked by this incident and has lodged a strong protest and condemnation with Japan,” Lin Jian added.
He described the incident as a serious violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and a grave threat to the safety and security of Chinese diplomatic personnel and facilities.
“This incident is extremely serious both in terms of the event itself and its implications. It once again highlights the dangers of the rampant spread of right-wing influences and neo-militarism in that country,” Lin Jian stated.
Lin Jian noted that the incident also exposes the adverse effects of Japan’s misguided policies on vital issues concerning China-Japan relations, such as history and Taiwan, as well as Japan’s failure to maintain discipline in the SDF and to fulfil its responsibilities in protecting Chinese diplomatic and consular offices and personnel.
“Japan must ensure the safety and security of Chinese diplomatic and consular offices and personnel, reconsider and correct its misguided policies towards China, and eliminate the root causes of such incidents once and for all,” said Lin Jian.
The international community, according to Lin Jian, must also remain vigilant against Japan’s increasingly rightward shift and the growing loss of control within the rapidly expanding SDF.
The intruder is said to have entered the compound by scaling the wall between the embassy and a neighbouring building. Anti-riot police were stationed around the embassy at the time.
The intruder has now been handed over to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police and is being interrogated on suspicion of trespassing and other crimes.
Sino-Japanese relations have been tense since 7 November 2025, when Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that China’s use of military force against Taiwan could “pose a situation threatening Japan’s survival.” This statement is understood to mean that the Japanese government would permit the Self-Defence Forces to act in support of Taiwan if China imposes a maritime blockade on Taiwan or applies other forms of pressure.
In response to Takaichi’s statement, China has taken several retaliatory actions, including suspending imports of Japanese seafood products again, halting high-level government meetings, advising its citizens against travelling or studying in Japan, stopping the release of Japanese films, and pledging to respond firmly if Tokyo becomes militarily involved in Taiwan affairs.