China protests against Tokyo embassy break-in

China has lodged a strong protest and solemn representations with Japan after what was described as a "forceful break-in" at its embassy in Tokyo, the Foreign Ministry said. Speaking at a regular media briefing on Tuesday, ministry spokesman Lin Jian said China is deeply shocked that someone claiming to be an active-duty officer of the Japan Self-Defence Forces forcibly broke into the Chinese embassy in Japan by climbing over the wall. "The individual admitted that the actions were illegal and threatened to kill Chinese diplomatic personnel in the so-called name of God," Lin ⁠said. Beijing urged Tokyo to conduct ⁠a thorough investigation, punish those responsible and provide an explanation. "The Japanese side must effectively guarantee the safety of the ⁠premises and personnel of Chinese embassies and consulates in Japan, reflect on and correct its policies towards China, and fundamentally prevent such incidents from occurring again," Lin added. Japan's Ministry of Defence said in an emailed ⁠message it was aware of media reports on the incident but declined to comment further. (Xinhua/Reuters) Edited by Edmond Fong