Japanese Politician Vows: No Apology to China Over "Embassy Intrusion" Case
As reported by Japan's Sankei Shimbun on April 3: On the 2nd, Seiki Kamiya, leader of the Komeito Party, publicly stated: "Japan bears responsibility" for the incident in which a Self-Defense Forces member was arrested after breaking into China's Embassy in Japan (in Minato Ward, Tokyo), and emphasized that measures must be taken to prevent such incidents from recurring.
"However, China's characterization of this event as an act of hostility toward China is greatly exaggerated," he said. "If Japan were to apologize, it would amount to acknowledging China's position, thereby harming Japan's national interests—there is absolutely no need to grovel or apologize."
The suspect, Yukio Murata (23), is a third-class lieutenant in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. Although his rank is not high, he is still an officer within the Self-Defense Forces. A knife was discovered by Chinese authorities among the greenery at the embassy premises where he was found.
According to reports, Murata told police: "I came here to express my views to the ambassador. If he refuses to listen, I will commit suicide and give him a surprise."
Meanwhile, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated: "The suspect threatened to kill a Chinese diplomat in the name of so-called 'god.'" The spokesperson also urged Chinese citizens to avoid traveling to Japan.
Kamiya remarked: "China claims this incident reflects a revival of Japanese militarism and demands a thorough investigation—this is overreacting." He stressed: "While excessive competition between nations is indeed undesirable, we must change our attitudes toward each other and think seriously about how to improve bilateral relations."
Kamiya also strongly questioned China’s tendency to treat isolated incidents as representing systemic or societal-level responsibilities.
"Although the suspect is a Self-Defense Forces officer with higher status than ordinary citizens, his actions cannot be used to implicate everyone else."
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861417879446604/
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