Facts undeniable in ex-SDF officer's intrusion case, says Chinese Embassy in Japan

A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Japan said Thursday that the case of Kodai Murata, who has been charged with illegally entering the embassy while armed with a knife and serving as an active-duty officer in the Japan Self-Defense Forces (SDF), is supported by clear facts and conclusive evidence and leaves no room for denial.

The spokesperson made the remarks in response to questions about the first court hearing in the case, which took place in Tokyo on the same day.

The spokesperson said China urges the Japanese side to take the matter seriously, severely punish the perpetrator, conduct a thorough investigation, correct the wrongdoing and provide a responsible explanation.

The spokesperson said that an active-duty SDF officer breaking into the Chinese embassy while carrying a knife was an egregious incident unheard of in the international community.

The incident seriously violates the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, gravely infringes upon China's sovereignty and dignity, and severely threatens the safety and security of Chinese diplomatic personnel and premises, the spokesperson said, adding that it also exposes deep-seated problems in Japan, including the rampant spread of right-wing influence and a lack of supervision and discipline in the SDF.

China will be closely watching how Japan handles the case, as will the international community, the spokesperson said.