TOKYO (AP) — China’s diplomatic mission in Japan issued complaints Thursday about what it calls inadequate security response from local authorities, following a series of threatening incidents that have targeted the embassy.
According to acting Chinese ambassador Shi Yong, the diplomatic facility received threatening correspondence on March 5 from individuals identifying themselves as former law enforcement and military personnel. The letter contained threats of attacks against Chinese diplomatic facilities throughout Japan and mentioned “wiping out all Chinese” residents in the nation.
Embassy officials posted on X that they promptly notified Japanese law enforcement about the threats but criticized authorities for not treating the situation with appropriate seriousness or implementing adequate protective measures.
Japan’s Foreign Ministry has refused to provide comment on the allegations.
Diplomatic relations between the nations have deteriorated following Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s November statement suggesting Japan might respond militarily to any Chinese aggression toward Taiwan. China responded with diplomatic and economic sanctions against Japan.
Late in March, Japanese authorities arrested a military officer who illegally entered the Chinese Embassy grounds while carrying a blade. China formally protested the incident, prompting Japanese police to increase security measures around the diplomatic compound.
Shi revealed that one week following the knife incident, the embassy received bomb threats through social media from someone claiming military reserve status. The threat prompted a two-hour explosive device search, though Shi did not indicate whether any devices were discovered.
While Shi recognized that Japanese police have enhanced security around the embassy facility, he maintained that the diplomatic mission continues to face ongoing security risks.
