Beijing Furious as Japanese Self-Defence Forces Member Intrudes into Chinese Embassy in Tokyo
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested a comprehensive investigation into the incident involving an intruder, identified as a member of Japan’s Self-Defence Forces (JSDF), entering the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo’s Minato District. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning (24/3/2026) local time.
“China requests that the Japanese side immediately conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, fully apply the law to the perpetrator, and provide a complete explanation of the incident,” said Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian during a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday.
The intruder was apprehended at the scene by embassy staff. A knife was found at the location, although no embassy staff or other individuals were injured.
Japanese media reported that the intruder was a member of the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (SDF). “China is deeply shocked by this incident and has lodged strong protests and stern condemnation with Japan,” Lin Jian stated.
According to him, the incident constitutes a serious violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. The action clearly poses a serious threat to the safety and security of Chinese diplomatic personnel and facilities.
“This incident is extremely egregious, 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 remarked.
He added that it also reveals the adverse effects of Japan’s misguided government policies on vital issues concerning relations with China, particularly regarding history and Taiwan, as well as Japan’s failure to maintain discipline within 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,” Lin Jian said.
Lin Jian urged the international community to 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 embassy compound between a wall and a neighbouring building.
Anti-riot police were on guard around the embassy at the time. The intruder has been handed over to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police and is currently being interrogated on suspicion of unauthorised entry into the building and other crimes.