At a press conference held on Thursday, April 16, 2026, Chinese Chargé d’Affaires Shi Yong revealed a disturbing timeline of criminal acts directed at the mission in Tokyo. The embassy has formally accused Japanese authorities of failing to fulfill their international obligations under the Vienna Convention to protect diplomatic premises.
Timeline of Threats & Intrusion (March 2026)
The embassy detailed three specific incidents that have left diplomatic personnel in a state of high alert:
March 5: The “Elite Unit” Letter
A threatening letter arrived, purportedly sent by a group claiming to be an “elite unit” of former police and Self-Defense Forces (SDF) personnel.
The Threat: The letter vowed to attack the embassy and contained extreme rhetoric, including threats to “kill all Chinese people.”
March 24: Armed Intrusion by SDF Officer
The Suspect: 23-year-old Kodai Murata, a second lieutenant in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) stationed at Camp Ebino in Miyazaki.
The Breach: Murata scaled the embassy wall from the fourth floor of an adjacent building. He was reportedly armed with an 18-centimeter knife.
Outcome: He was subdued by embassy staff and handed over to the Metropolitan Police Department. Murata reportedly claimed he wanted the Chinese Ambassador to “tone down” rhetoric regarding Taiwan.
March 31: Online Bomb Threat
A social media post from an individual claiming to be a reserve SDF member alleged that a remotely controlled bomb had been planted inside the embassy.
Response: Japanese police conducted a nearly two-hour bomb disposal operation, though no explosives were ultimately found.
Diplomatic Fallout and Criticisms
The Chinese side has expressed deep “shock” and filed “solemn representations” with the Japanese government. Key criticisms include:
Failure of Policing: Embassy officials stated they have contacted Japanese police nearly 30 times regarding these threats, but claim there has been “insufficient attention” and “little visible progress” in identifying all responsible parties.
International Law: The embassy stressed that Japan is failing its duty to ensure the “inviolability of diplomatic premises.”
Rising Extremism: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian suggested the incidents demonstrate “rampant far-right ideology” and a lack of discipline within the JGSDF.
Japan’s Response
Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara called the involvement of an SDF member “regrettable” and confirmed that security around the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo has been increased. The case against Kodai Murata has since been transferred to prosecutors on suspicion of illegal entry.
The security crisis comes at a time of heightened friction, as Japan’s 2026 Diplomatic Bluebook reportedly labels China as taking “coercive measures” while maintaining the need for communication between the two neighbors.