US forces flew close to disputed Diaoyu Islands in February: report

The manoeuvres involved transport aircraft airdropping supplies off the islands, which are claimed by China but controlled by Japan

The drill signals Washington’s commitment to the US-Japan security treaty, which covers the Diaoyus in the East China Sea, one analyst says

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A Japan Coast Guard vessel seen near the Diaoyu Islands, known by Japan as the Senkaku Islands. Photo: Reuters

Published: 5:00pm, 22 Apr 2021Updated: 5:00pm, 22 Apr 2021

US forces carried out a military exercise in waters close to disputed islands in the East China Sea in mid-February, ahead of a Quad meeting and a visit by top US officials to Japan, national broadcaster NHK reported on Thursday.

The manoeuvres involved transport aircraft airdropping supplies off the Diaoyu Islands, which China claims as its sovereign territory but which Japan controls and refers to as the Senkaku Islands.

NHK said the US personnel did not set foot on the ground during the February 17 drills and no Japanese forces were involved.

A resupply exercise would appear to be relatively routine and unaggressive, although one security analyst suggested it would hold significantly more meaning for military experts.

“Carrying out air drops of equipment is a demonstration of the US military’s capabilities around the Senkakus in the event of an incursion into the area by a third party,” said Stephen Nagy, an associate professor of international relations at Tokyo’s International Christian University.

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