China calls for nations to ‘objectively and correctly view’ new coastguard law
- Foreign ministry spokesman says countries shouldn’t make ‘unwarranted comments’ on what Beijing sees as domestic legislation
- Japan has raised concerns over the law, which allows pre-emptive strikes on foreign vessels
Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi raised Tokyo’s “strong concerns” about the new law in a virtual meeting with his British counterpart and defence ministers from the two countries on Wednesday. The two sides also said they “shared grave concerns” over Beijing’s assertiveness in the East and South China seas.
The law, which was passed in late January and took effect on Monday, allows Chinese coastguard vessels to fire on foreign vessels and demolish structures built in disputed waters. The coastguard is empowered to use “all necessary means” to deter threats posed by foreign vessels in waters “under China’s jurisdiction”. Coastguard vessels can also launch pre-emptive strikes without prior warning if commanders deem it necessary.
The law has heightened concerns among China’s neighbours that it could take a more aggressive approach in maritime disputes. The Philippines filed a diplomatic protest over the legislation, which foreign minister Teodoro Locsin called “a verbal threat of war to any country that defies it”.
Responding to the Japanese foreign minister’s remarks on Thursday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said nations should not make “unwarranted comments” on what Beijing sees as domestic legislation.
