Recent mass anti-Japanese protests in Chinese cities have plunged Sino-Japanese relations to their lowest since diplomatic ties were normalized in 1972. Stones thrown by demonstrators damaged the Japanese Embassy in Beijing on April 9. Japanese-owned businesses in other cities were likewise attacked, and three Japanese students were hurt. Television news footage showed Chinese police doing nothing to stop the attack on the embassy.
The Treaty of Vienna obligates signatory nations, under Article 22, to take all possible measures to protect foreign diplomatic missions. China contravened this rule.
Naturally Japan demanded a Chinese apology and compensation for damage. China rejected the demand, saying the protests stemmed from Japan's historical perceptions. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman stated that China was not responsible for the trouble.