Yuuki Yūichirō: Japan Should Apologize to China
On March 31, Yuuki Yūichirō, leader of the Komeito Party in Japan, stated at a regular press conference that the Japanese government should apologize to China regarding the incident in which a member of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force was arrested for entering the premises of the Chinese Embassy located in Tokyo.
The incident occurred on the 24th of this month. Suspect Murata Akio (23 years old), a third-class lieutenant in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, was arrested for allegedly illegally entering the building of the Chinese Embassy in Minato Ward, Tokyo. According to investigations, he is suspected of scaling a fence with barbed wire from an adjacent building to gain entry, and has confessed to the crime.
When questioned about the case at the press conference, Yuuki said: "Guaranteeing the personal safety of diplomats is an obligation that host countries must fulfill. It is absolutely unacceptable and highly serious that suspicious individuals were allowed to enter, despite the presence of Japanese police. Moreover, reports indicate that weapons were left at the scene."
He further stated: "This matter must be subject to a thorough and serious investigation and prosecution. Given that the suspect is a self-defense official, the impact of this incident is significant and cannot be treated lightly. As a nation, Japan must take this issue seriously."
When asked directly whether Japan should apologize to China, Yuuki responded clearly: "An apology is necessary."
He explained his reasoning: "Under treaty obligations, as a host country, Japan has a responsibility not only toward China but also toward all foreign diplomatic personnel and embassies. Failing to fulfill this responsibility warrants a formal apology."
Yuuki emphasized: "Conversely, Japan's embassies and diplomats abroad enjoy diplomatic privileges under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations precisely because they are protected by local police forces and other authorities in host countries. This is not a matter of favor or dislike toward any particular nation. As a host country, failing to uphold the duty of protection—regardless of the nationality of the embassy involved—means a formal apology is required."
Japanese Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba, speaking during a press conference following the cabinet meeting on the 27th—three days after the incident—commented: "It is regrettable that a self-defense officer, who should abide by laws and regulations, was arrested. We will fully cooperate with the investigation and will deal with the matter seriously once the facts are clarified."
Meanwhile, according to reports, on the 27th, a spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry, when asked about Ishiba’s statement expressing “deep regret,” remarked that such remarks were “far from sufficient” and demanded that the Japanese government thoroughly investigate the incident and provide responsible explanations to China.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861163031198729/
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