Officer's Chinese Embassy Intrusion a Diplomacy Headache Japan Didn't Need

On March 24 a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) officer trespassed onto the grounds of the Chinese embassy in Tokyo's Minato Ward. Embassy staff detained him and handed him over to the Metropolitan Police Department.

The 23-year old lieutenant was arrested on suspicion of trespassing. A knife was also discovered within the embassy compound.

The suspect reportedly told police that he had entered the embassy compound with the intent of meeting with the Chinese ambassador to directly express his opinions. He added that he was prepared to commit suicide with the knife if the ambassador would not accept his views.

*Police officers on duty in front of the Chinese Embassy in Japan. March 24, Minato Ward, Tokyo*.

Who Is He?

The suspect is a January graduate of the Ground Self-Defense Force Officer Candidate School. After that, he was assigned to the GSDF's Camp Ebino in Miyazaki Prefecture.

Although his status as a santo rikui company-level officer is the lowest rung for a commissioned GSDF officer, he is still a legitimate officer. For him to come to Tokyo and intrude into the embassy of another nation constitutes utterly unforgivable criminal activity.

Defense Ministry's Reaction

In a press conference, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi expressed the government's regret at the young man's action. He said, "It is truly regrettable that a Self-Defense Forces officer, who should abide by the law with discipline, has been arrested."

According to the Ministry of Defense, there had been no reports of any problems with the suspect's work attitude or behavior. Further investigation is warranted. Specifically, investigators should examine whether his previous words or actions suggested that he was planning to commit a crime.

*Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi enters the Prime Minister's Official Residence on March 19. (©Sankei by Ataru Haruna)*

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara told a press conference that the Japanese government had conveyed its sincere regret to the Chinese side and its commitment to preventing similar incidents.

China's Overreaction

Foreign diplomatic missions are inviolable under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. The suspect appears to have entered the grounds of the Chinese embassy by climbing over a barbed-wire fence from an adjacent building. Could the police providing security for the embassy have been lax? After all, they should be prepared for any eventuality.

It was only natural that the Chinese government protested to Japan about the incident. The Chinese side even claims the suspect threatened to kill Chinese diplomats. On this point, the investigation needs to be pursued expeditiously because the suspect's statements to the police differ from what the Chinese have alleged.

On the other hand, the Chinese foreign ministry's reaction was absurd. It declared that the incident is a reflection of the growing influence of "neo-militarism" in Japan.

However, "militarism" or other forms of extremism have not taken root in Japan. China should correct its practice of using such disparaging labels whenever it criticizes Japan.

Chinese Anti-Japan Provocations

The fact is that China's words and actions have merely served to increase anti-China sentiment in Japan. Among other provocations, Beijing is trying to seize the Senkaku Islands from Japan. Also, one of its carrier-based aircraft illuminated a Japanese Self-Defense Forces aircraft with its fire control radar.

New Chinese ambassador Wu Jianghao — *Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao attends a news conference at Japan National Press Club in Tokyo, Japan April 28, 2023. (© Sankei by Shunsuke Sakamaki)*

There were also the incendiary remarks by the Chinese ambassador to Japan, Wu Jianghao. He threatened that if Japan sought to split Taiwan from China, the Japanese people "will be dragged into a pit of fire."

Likewise, Xue Jian, China's consul-general in Osaka, offered in an X post that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's neck should be cut off. That was after she responded to an opposition question honestly, noting that a Chinese blockade of Taiwan could create a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan.

China has also exerted undue pressure on the trade front.

There are too many examples of such provocative behavior to list. Nonetheless, dissatisfaction with and criticism of China must be expressed through diplomacy and legitimate debate. That is the way to preserve both Japan's dignity and the national interest.

Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun