Japan claims China is ‘escalating’ military actions around disputed Diaoyu Islands
Defence minister accuses Beijing of ‘rapidly improving its military strength and fast increasing its military activities’ in East China Sea
Japan’s defence chief on Monday warned the country faces a tough security environment, with China and Russia stepping up military activity and North Korea posing “imminent threats”.
Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera said China had been “unilaterally escalating” its military activities in the past year, including carrying out new airborne operations around Japan and running a nuclear submarine near disputed East Coast isles.
“China has been rapidly improving its military strength and fast increasing its military activities,” Onodera told an annual gathering of the top brass of Japan’s Self-Defence Forces. “It is unilaterally escalating its military activities in the sea and aviation spaces around our country. This has become a significant concern for our country’s defence.”
Onodera made the remarks as Tokyo tries to improve its tense diplomatic ties with Beijing, with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expected to visit Japan’s biggest trade partner next month.
On coming to power, Abe took a firm position on Japan’s claims to the Diaoyu Islands – which Tokyo calls the Senkaku Islands – a disputed chain in the East China Sea, aggravating tensions with Beijing.