A large vehicle belonging to a Japanese right-wing group rammed
the front gate of the Chinese Consulate General in Osaka early
Friday, but no one was injured in the event, according to the
Chinese Embassy.
The incident occurred at about 3:35 AM, setting fire to the
vehicle and badly damaging the gate, said Chinese Embassy spokesman
Huang Xingyuan.
Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Dawei has lodged a solemn
representation to Japan and asked for a prompt and thorough
investigation as well as compensation for damages.
Huang stated that this was the most serious event committed by a
Japanese right-wing group against Chinese diplomatic facilities
since the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two
countries in 1972.
Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda has apologized for
the incident, Huang said.
Police have arrested the male perpetrator, who is a member of a
Japanese right-wing group.
(Xinhua News Agency April 23, 2004)