Nakatani: SDF may be deployed in Senkaku intrusion

Описание: Japan Jan. 12, 2016 - Updated 12:15 UTC+9
Japan's Defense Minister has indicated that Self-Defense Force personnel could be mobilized for maritime policing activities, if a Chinese military ship enters territorial waters off the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea.

Japan controls the islands. China and Taiwan claim them.

Chinese patrol ships have repeatedly entered the islands' territorial waters since 2012, when Japan's government purchased some of the islands from a private Japanese owner.

One of the Chinese ships spotted in late December was apparently equipped with guns. Japanese officials have concluded that it was a remodeled frigate from the Chinese Navy fleet.

Defense Minister Gen Nakatani spoke on the issue to reporters on Tuesday.

He said the cabinet approved a mechanism last May to ensure a seamless response to foreign naval vessels entering Japan's territorial waters outside the scope of the so-called right of innocent passage. Such a right is written in international law.

Nakatani said no new policies have been made regarding a territorial incursion by a Chinese navy ship. But if the situation cannot be dealt with by the Japan Coast Guard, he says the general principle is to issue an order for Self-Defense Force personnel to engage in maritime policing activities.