The Chinese Embassy in Japan has publicly accused Japanese authorities of failing to take effective measures in response to a series of threats it has received, as diplomatic tensions between the two nations continue to escalate.
Multiple Threats Reported
On Thursday, the embassy disclosed that it had received multiple threats, including a particularly alarming letter on March 5. According to Shi Yong, the acting Chinese ambassador to Japan, the letter was from a group claiming to consist of former police and military members. It threatened attacks on China's diplomatic missions in Japan and even spoke of "wiping out all Chinese" in the country.
The embassy stated that it immediately reported this threat to Japanese police. However, in a post on X, it criticised the authorities for not taking the matter seriously, failing to implement effective steps, and not establishing the facts of the case.
Escalating Tensions
This incident occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions between China and Japan. Relations have been strained since November, when Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi commented that any Chinese military action against self-ruled Taiwan could justify a Japanese military response. In retaliation, China imposed diplomatic and economic measures against Japan.
Further complicating matters, in late March, a Japanese army officer was arrested after trespassing at the Chinese Embassy compound while carrying a knife. China protested this incident, and Japanese police subsequently increased security around the embassy.
Bomb Threat and Security Concerns
Despite these security enhancements, the embassy faced another serious threat just a week after the trespassing incident. Shi Yong revealed that the embassy received a bomb threat via social media from an individual claiming to be a Self-Defense Force reserve personnel. This triggered a two-hour bomb hunt, though Shi did not specify whether any explosive device was found.
While acknowledging that Japanese police have stepped up security around the embassy, Shi emphasised that the diplomatic mission remains "exposed to threats." He expressed frustration over what he described as a lack of robust action from Japanese authorities to address these ongoing security risks.
Japan's Foreign Ministry has declined to comment on the embassy's allegations. The situation highlights the fragile state of bilateral relations and raises concerns about the safety of diplomatic personnel and the broader Chinese community in Japan.
