- 14 Mar 2002
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You'd believe that the coronavirus pandemic has put other issues, such as the territorial conflict with China over the Senkakus, on the backburner. However, the opposite is true. China has stepped up its political and military posturing over the past months, gradually increasing its military presence around the archipelago. Now China even demands Japanese fishing boats stay clear of the islands.
On average, Japanese fighters scramble twice a day to intercept Chinese planes. The JSDF now responds with four fighters instead of two (I dread to think what that means for the Japanese taxpayers).
On 4 June, two China Coast Guard ships intruded into Japanese territorial waters for a record 39 hours and 23 minutes, the longest period of time since the islands were placed under Japanese state control in September 2012.
The Japanese government seems to be resolved to stand their ground. I'm just wondering why China escalates at this point when Sino-Japanese relations finally appear to have improved.
China delivers unusual demand that Japanese fishing boats not 'trespass' in its waters
China complained to Japan early this month about Japanese fishing boats allegedly "trespassing" in its territorial waters near a group of disputed islands in the East China Sea, it was learned Sunday.
www.japantimes.co.jp
On average, Japanese fighters scramble twice a day to intercept Chinese planes. The JSDF now responds with four fighters instead of two (I dread to think what that means for the Japanese taxpayers).
Japan now scrambling jets against all Chinese fighters from Fujian amid Senkaku row
Chinese patrols that operate near the Senkakus used to fly out of Zhejiang province. But China has since moved the location of their base of operations closer.
www.japantimes.co.jp
On 4 June, two China Coast Guard ships intruded into Japanese territorial waters for a record 39 hours and 23 minutes, the longest period of time since the islands were placed under Japanese state control in September 2012.
Chinese ships sail in Japanese territorial waters near Senkakus for 39 hours — longest since 2012
Chinese government vessels have been spotted around waters near the islets for 84 days in a row as of Monday.
www.japantimes.co.jp
The Japanese government seems to be resolved to stand their ground. I'm just wondering why China escalates at this point when Sino-Japanese relations finally appear to have improved.