China envoy in Japan makes 1st public appearance after threat sparks outcry

BEIJING - Chinese Consul General in Osaka Xue Jian attended a Lunar New Year event organized by the diplomatic office this week, likely his first public appearance after posting in November on social media a violent threat seemingly targeting Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in a diplomatic spat with Japan.

In his speech at Tuesday's event attended by nearly 100 people, Xue urged the Japanese government to take "concrete actions to safeguard the political foundation of China-Japan relations," adding Beijing's policy stance is "clear and consistent" and "will not waver or change," according to the Chinese Consulate General in Osaka.