JCP Shii comments on consulate general incident in China

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo commented on the recent incident at the Japanese consulate general compounds in Shenyang, China, in which Chinese armed policemen seized five people from North Korea who attempted to enter it. He was speaking at the May 15 press conference in the Diet Building.

Based on researches made through Diet discussion, Shii stated that this is not a single matter concerning the local consulate alone, but a serious matter affecting the basis of Japan's diplomacy as well as international trust on Japan.

The Japanese government must end its noncommittal attitude toward this problem, and make utmost efforts for the thorough investigation into the incident, Shii emphasized.

Analyzing reports of Japan's Foreign Ministry and findings of parliamentary investigation, and announcements by the Chinese government, Shii pointed out the following three problems:

First, the ministry report suggests that Japan's consulate members didn't address any definite words of protest on the entry into the compound by the Chinese policemen or their taking out of the five people from the site.

Also, when one of the five handed a letter to the Japanese side, a consulate officer refused to accept it without confirming its content. Pointing to this, Shii blamed for its irresponsible attitude.

Second, Shii pointed out the fact that Japan's MOF didn't instruct the consulate to make protest and request the Chinese side for the restoration of the status quo ante.

The third point Shii raised concerns a strong doubt that the Japanese government could be of the policy of rejecting any asylum seekers.

Prime Minister Koizumi Jun'ichiro endorsed this at the May 14 House of Representatives Plenary Session by describing refugees as intruders, Shii stated.

What must be reviewed is Japan's such policy that sets out, among the Summit member countries, the highest hurdle for refugees seeking asylum, Shii stressed.

The need now is for the Diet to play an active role to ascertain facts of the recent incident, Shii said. (end)