China Defends Security Agents' Entry into Japanese Consulate in Shenyang

China has defended its security forces who entered the Japanese consulate in Shenyang without permission to arrest two North Korean asylum seekers. Yesterday (Wednesday), Chinese security forces arrested three North Korean refugees at the Japanese consulate and entered the premises to apprehend two others who had managed to reach inside. Today, a Chinese government spokesperson in Beijing stated that the police's actions were justified, asserting that local officials have a duty to protect diplomatic staff and consulate properties. However, Japanese officials summoned the Chinese ambassador in Japan and formally protested the unauthorized entry of Chinese security forces into their consulate in Shenyang. Meanwhile, today another man, believed to be from North Korea, sought asylum at the U.S. consulate in Shenyang. Reports indicate that this man was in line applying for a visa earlier today but suddenly headed towards the consulate. On Wednesday, two other North Korean nationals also entered the U.S. consulate in Shenyang. The U.S. State Department has stated that it is in discussions with the Chinese government to address the issue of asylum seekers. Chinese authorities detained five refugees on Wednesday who were seeking asylum at the Japanese consulate in Shenyang, most of whom are believed to be from North Korea.