The Chinese embassy in Japan has accused Tokyo of failing to ensure the safety of its diplomatic staff after reporting three separate security threats within a single month, further straining already tense relations between the two countries.
In a statement posted on X on Thursday, the embassy urged Japanese authorities to “severely punish the perpetrators,” detailing incidents that included an alleged intrusion and bomb threats targeting its mission in Tokyo.
According to the embassy, one of the incidents occurred on March 24 when a man reportedly linked to Japan’s Self-Defense Forces allegedly broke into the embassy premises in Tokyo and issued death threats against diplomats. The embassy said the incident raised serious concerns about security and protocol enforcement.
A second case involved an intimidating letter received weeks earlier, purportedly sent by a group claiming to consist of former members of the Self-Defense Forces and police officers, which contained threats against Chinese nationals. A third incident reportedly involved an online bomb threat made at the end of last month by an individual also claiming to be a former military officer.
Charge d’Affaires Shi Yong, quoted by the embassy, called on Japan to speed up investigations, clarify the facts, and take firm legal action against those responsible. He also questioned whether the incidents were connected, describing the repeated claims of military background as “highly unusual.”
The embassy further suggested that Japanese authorities investigate whether there could be a coordinated or organised effort behind the threats, adding that the ideological motivations of those involved should be thoroughly examined.
The diplomatic row comes amid already strained relations between Beijing and Tokyo, which have worsened following remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in November suggesting potential military involvement if China were to take action against Taiwan.
China, which considers Taiwan part of its territory, reacted strongly to the comments and subsequently lodged formal protests. The tensions have also had wider repercussions, including warnings to Chinese citizens about travelling to Japan and a noticeable decline in tourism numbers.
