Two Japanese Injured in Shanghai Attack; Tokyo Demands Clarification from Beijing

(CNA Shanghai, 20 May, Comprehensive Foreign News Report) The Consulate-General of Japan in Shanghai told AFP today that two Japanese nationals were injured in a knife attack at a restaurant in Shanghai, and that Tokyo has requested China to clarify the facts and ensure the safety of Japanese citizens. This incident has become the latest diplomatic friction between China and Japan. Tensions between the two countries have risen after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that Japan might intervene militarily if China invades Taiwan. The Shanghai Pudong Public Security Bureau announced via social media yesterday that they received a report of a man 'injuring people with a fruit knife' inside a restaurant. The suspect, a 59-year-old man surnamed Yang with a history of mental illness, was arrested at the scene. According to the police statement, a total of three people were sent to the hospital for treatment. Japanese media later reported that two of them were Japanese citizens. The Japanese Consulate-General in Shanghai confirmed that two Japanese citizens were injured in the incident and are currently receiving medical treatment. A spokesperson for the Japanese Consulate-General in Shanghai stated: 'The Japanese government has requested the Chinese government to clarify the facts and provide a clear explanation, as well as to ensure the safety and security of Japanese nationals.' Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara later also confirmed that Tokyo has formally requested an explanation from the Chinese side and has issued a warning to all Japanese citizens residing in China. He said: 'The government will continue to maintain contact with all parties and, from the standpoint of protecting Japanese nationals, provide all possible support.' According to reports, the restaurant where the incident occurred matches the general address released by the police, and the scene had returned to calm today. An AFP reporter observed that several individuals in grey suits, suspected to be security personnel, were stationed inside the shopping center where the restaurant is located.