Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian at the press conference on March 24, 2026

Japan has expressed regret to China over the incident, but that is far from sufficient. We once again urge the Japanese side to immediately launch a thorough investigation and fully account for the incident, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told the Global Times at a regular press conference on Friday in response to a question on the latest updates after Japan's defense minister said at a press conference on Friday that as an armed organization, maintaining discipline within the Self-Defense Forces is of utmost importance, and that it is deeply regrettable that a Self-Defense Forces officer, who is expected to abide by the law and discipline, illegally entered the Chinese Embassy and was arrested on suspicion of trespassing. Japanese media also reported that the individual had no intention of harming others.

Lin said that more and more facts have come to light. The suspect is an officer in the Self-Defense Forces who chose the embassy's commuting hours, carried a sharp knife measuring 31 centimeters in length, illegally scaled the wall to break into the Chinese Embassy, and hid in the bushes for an extended period.

We cannot help but ask: whom was he waiting for during that time, and what was he planning to do? The Japanese side has so far provided no explanation, Lin said.

Lin added that at the initial stage of the incident, some Japanese right-wing elements attempted to whitewash the suspect, claiming it was impossible for him to be a Self-Defense Forces officer. The facts have delivered a strong rebuttal.

Japan has expressed deep regret to China over the incident, but that is far from sufficient. We once again urge the Japanese side to immediately launch a thorough investigation and fully account for the incident.

Global Times