China urges Japan to punish perpetrators of attack on Taiwan compatriots

BEIJING -- A Chinese spokesperson on Wednesday condemned a violent assault on two Taiwan compatriots in Tokyo and called on Japanese authorities to promptly bring the perpetrators to justice.

At a press conference, Peng Qing'en, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, emphasized the bond between the mainland and Taiwan compatriots and said "we strongly condemn such acts of violence and urge the Japanese side to deal with the offenders swiftly and severely."

Peng made the remarks when asked to comment on an incident in July where two Taiwan individuals were severely assaulted by five Japanese men on a Tokyo street. Japanese police have recently confirmed the arrest of suspects in connection with the case.

The spokesperson noted that this year has seen several attacks targeting tourists in Japan, including those from Taiwan.

"Recently, the Japanese prime minister openly made provocative remarks concerning Taiwan, severely undermining the atmosphere for people-to-people exchanges," Peng said, adding that "there has been a noticeable rise in extremist behaviors by Japan's right-wing elements, driven by anti-China sentiments, posing serious risks to the safety of visitors."