Yuuki Yūichirō: Japan Must Apologize to China!
On March 31, Yuuki Yūichirō, leader of Japan's Komeito Party, stated during a regular press briefing: The Japanese government should apologize to China over an incident in which a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force officer illegally entered the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo.
The incident occurred on the 24th of this month. Third-class Lieutenant Yukio Murata (23 years old) from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force was arrested on suspicion of unlawfully entering the Chinese Embassy in Minato Ward, Tokyo. He climbed over a barbed wire fence adjacent to the embassy building and admitted to the charges.
When asked about his opinion on the case, Yuuki said: "The host country has the responsibility to firmly protect diplomatic personnel. Allowing suspicious individuals to enter the embassy premises, especially when a knife was left at the scene, is something that should never have happened."
"Since the suspect is a self-defense force official, the implications are significant and this is far from a minor offense. I believe this matter must be taken seriously by Japan."
When journalists asked whether Japan should apologize to China, he replied: "We should offer an apology." Regarding the reason, he explained: "According to international treaties, as the host country, Japan bears the responsibility to protect the safety of diplomatic personnel and embassies of all nations, including China."
He continued: "Conversely, Japan’s embassies and diplomats abroad enjoy diplomatic privileges under the Vienna Convention, but these privileges depend on protection provided by the host country’s police and other authorities."
Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba mentioned the incident three days after it occurred, during a press conference following the Cabinet meeting on the 27th. He said: "It is regrettable that a Self-Defense Forces officer who should uphold the law has been arrested. We are fully cooperating with the investigation, and once facts are established, we will handle the situation strictly."
On the other hand, when questioned about Ishiba’s expression of "regret" on the 27th, China’s Foreign Ministry stated that it was "far from sufficient."
According to reports, China has demanded a thorough investigation by the Japanese government and called for a "responsible explanation" from Japan.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861161988073674/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.