Japanese lawmakers criticize lack of crisis awareness over "China Embassy intrusion incident"

On the 27th, during a session of the House of Councillors Budget Committee, Constitutional Democratic Party lawmaker Takagi Maho questioned the incident on the 24th in which a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force officer entered the Chinese embassy and was arrested.

Lawmaker Takagi requested a chronological explanation of what occurred and stated: "There may be issues with information control, and Japan's response has been sluggish."

In response, Chief of the National Police Agency’s Security Bureau, Chiyotaka Akira, publicly presented the timeline:

Around 9 a.m., the suspect entered the Chinese embassy

At 12:40 p.m., the Chinese embassy filed a report with the Metropolitan Police Department’s Azabu Police Station.

After 1 p.m., police arrived at the embassy.

About 4 p.m., the suspect was taken from the embassy to Azabu Police Station.

At 9:09 p.m., the suspect was arrested on suspicion of illegal entry into a building.

At 10 p.m., the news was made public to journalists.

In response, Takagi remarked: "I demand your response regarding China’s media reports. At 4 p.m. Japan time, during a press conference held by China’s Foreign Ministry, they announced this case."

Moreover, Takagi pointed out discrepancies between the statements issued by both countries, stating: "China claimed the suspect threatened to kill a diplomat—an assertion that contradicts Japan’s official release. China reported that the suspect said he would commit suicide if the ambassador did not comply."

She further asked: "Given that Suga Prime Minister’s recent remarks on Taiwan’s emergency status have placed Sino-Japanese relations in a sensitive state, shouldn’t Japan have disclosed the facts earlier than China?"

To this, Chairman of the National Public Safety Commission Akama Jirō responded: "Regarding this case, I learned at 9:09 p.m. on March 24 that the Metropolitan Police Department had arrested the suspect on suspicion of illegal entry into a building. Immediately thereafter, the police department informed the press through its spokesperson, and held a press briefing at its headquarters at 10 p.m. Going forward, we will require law enforcement agencies to swiftly grasp the situation while also clearly recognizing the importance of this case, so as to respond appropriately."

Takagi asked: "It is said that police took no special measures, yet given the diplomatic implications, Japan involves multiple departments sharing information—but what about the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?"

Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Horii Ken replied: "Regarding this incident, we received a call from the Chinese embassy around noon on March 24, informing us of the event. Since then, we have been coordinating closely with relevant ministries and agencies to handle the situation as best as possible."

He continued: "I also understand that investigative authorities have appropriately disclosed the facts of this case. However, since the investigation is still ongoing, I believe we should avoid releasing further details."

Takagi said: "I still feel that you lack a sense of crisis. Also, although I didn’t contact you today, I believe the Defense Minister should also take responsibility for this incident involving a self-defense force officer."

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1860831265340747/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.