Japan Embassy. Photo courtesy of Anadolu.
Japan expressed regret on Wednesday after a member of its Self-Defense Forces reportedly broke into the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo, prompting security and diplomatic concerns.
“It is truly regrettable that an SDF officer, who should abide by the law, was arrested on suspicion of breaking into a building,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara told reporters, according to Jiji Press.
He said additional police officers have been deployed to secure embassy premises and prevent further incidents.
Tokyo police identified the suspect as 23-year-old Second Lieutenant Kodai Murata, who was detained for allegedly breaking into the embassy on Tuesday.
China denied that the officer entered the embassy to meet its ambassador.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said the officer carried an 18-centimeter knife and threatened diplomats “in the name of God,” urging Japanese authorities to take the matter seriously.
Lin also responded to questions from Kyodo News about reports claiming the officer intended to speak with the ambassador, which China described as inaccurate.
Meanwhile, Japanese officials said one citizen detained in China was released on bail, while a second individual remains in custody.