China has dismissed Japan’s expression of “deep regret” over a knife‑wielding Japanese military officer’s break‑in at its Tokyo embassy as insufficient, demanding a thorough investigation and a “responsible explanation”.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Friday that Tokyo must reveal incident details and take concrete steps to prevent recurrence, amid already tense bilateral ties.
The March 24 intrusion at the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo has heightened frictions, coming after Japan’s Prime Minister warned of potential military deployment if China moves on Taiwan threaten Japanese territory.
Japan’s top spokesperson Minoru Kihara called the event “regrettable” and pledged preventive measures. Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi echoed this, stating his ministry is cooperating with police and will respond “strictly” once facts emerge.
The suspect, a Japanese Ground Self‑Defence Force officer, was arrested after allegedly forcing entry with a knife. No injuries were reported, but the breach underscores security lapses at diplomatic missions.
Beijing views the incident through a broader lens of strained relations, exacerbated by Japan’s alignment with U.S. Taiwan policy and regional military posturing. China has summoned Japanese diplomats to protest.
As both economic giants navigate U.S.‑China rivalry, the embassy breach risks further eroding trust, with implications for trade, security and East Asian stability.
