Japan to bolster patrols near disputed isles
Japan will beef up airborne patrols of disputed islands in the East China Sea, an official said on 13 April, in response to increased Chinese activity in the area.
New crew members will operate two extra jets that will be deployed in the next 12 months to strengthen patrols around the Senkaku Islands, according to a spokesman from the Japan Coast Guard.
The spokesman told AFP: ‘We’ll boost our aviation crew by bringing in 60 more members.’
Japan will deploy two Falcon 2000LXS jets in fiscal 2018 and one more plane in 2019 to allow a ‘24-hour patrol system’ to monitor the disputed islands, known in China as the Diaoyus.
The move comes after Japan spotted a Chinese nuclear-powered submarine in disputed waters early in 2018.
The uninhabited islets are at the centre of a festering row between Tokyo and Beijing, which is also involved in a widening dispute with several Southeast Asian countries over islands in the South China Sea.
The Japanese government has long complained about China’s routine dispatch of coast guard ships to waters surrounding the islands.
Relations between Japan and China deteriorated in 2012 when Tokyo ‘nationalised’ some of the islets.
Since then, the two top Asian economies have taken gradual steps to mend fences but relations remain tense.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Poland’s naval modernisation plans point to $13 billion market]()
Poland’s naval modernisation plans point to $13 billion market
Poland is reshaping its naval capabilities through investments in surface and undersea fleets, with further procurement opportunities expected into the 2030s.
-
![Autonomy gives Turkey a chance to outflank established naval shipbuilders]()
Autonomy gives Turkey a chance to outflank established naval shipbuilders
Turkish shipbuilders have sold ships from Asia to Europe, but autonomy and swarm technology could give them a fairer fight against Western European rivals.
-
![Canada assesses security equipment changes for Polar Icebreaker Imnaryuaq]()
Canada assesses security equipment changes for Polar Icebreaker Imnaryuaq
The Canadian Department of National Defence is evaluating communications and reconnaissance changes for CCGS Imnaryuaq’s expanded maritime security role, while retaining its 2032 acceptance target.
-
![US Navy’s MQ-25 Stingray approaches carrier-integration tests]()
US Navy’s MQ-25 Stingray approaches carrier-integration tests
Boeing has outlined its upcoming precision-landing and carrier-airspace trials as MQ-25 manufacturing shifts towards Illinois, with initial Lot 1 deliveries expected in 2029.
