Off the coast of the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture, last year, a China Coast Guard ship intruded into Japan's territorial waters for more than 72 hours, the longest period in history. We are planning to strengthen the security system through cooperation.
In the waters surrounding the Senkaku Islands, a China Coast Guard vessel intruded into territorial waters last month for 72 hours and 45 minutes, the longest since the Senkaku Islands were nationalized 11 years ago. The number of days sailed in waters also reached a record high of 336 days in a year.
Also, in November last year, it was confirmed for the first time that a Chinese Coast Guard vessel, which was believed to be equipped with a larger 76mm cannon, intruded into territorial waters.
In order to respond to this situation, the government has compiled a policy to strengthen coast guard capabilities, including patrol boats and aircraft to patrol territorial waters, and the Japan Coast Guard has allocated a record 243.1 billion yen in its budget proposal.
In the future, four new large patrol ships will be developed, one of which is scheduled to be commissioned as a "ship for international operations."
According to officials of the Japan Coast Guard, the ship will be used to support the coast guard agencies of Southeast Asian countries, and the police agencies will cooperate with each other to counter China, which is strengthening its maritime expansion.
At a press conference last month, Shohei Ishii, Chief of the Japan Coast Guard, said in light of the growing tensions surrounding the Senkaku Islands: We will protect it,” he said.