A law has been enacted that stipulates the authority of the China Coast Guard, which operates in the waters surrounding China.

The draft law states that if a foreign vessel that illegally enters the territorial waters does not comply with a stop order, the use of weapons is permitted, and there are concerns about future impacts.

On the 22nd, China's state media passed and passed the "Marine Police Law," which stipulates the duties and authority of the China Coast Guard, which is responsible for maritime security, at the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress held in Beijing. I told you.



The full text of the law has not yet been released, but a preliminary draft includes the authority to forcibly eliminate or seize foreign vessels that have illegally entered the waters under the jurisdiction of China, and then order the suspension. If you do not follow the on-site inspection, you will be allowed to use weapons.



In addition, it is said that it is possible to forcibly demolish buildings established by foreign organizations and individuals in the sea areas and islands under the jurisdiction of China.



This law will come into effect on February 1st.



Around the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture, the China Coast Guard vessels continued to sail on a daily basis, and last year, the time they continued to invade the territorial waters was the longest in history, and in some cases they tracked Japanese fishing vessels.



In recent years, China has been strengthening its system by incorporating the Coast Guard into armed police under the command of the military and increasing the size of ships, and the enactment of this law will have an impact on the future. I am concerned.

Foreign Minister Motegi "Communicating Japan's Concerns to the Other Party"

At a press conference, Foreign Minister Motegi said, "The Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture are territories unique to Japan that have no doubt in history and international law, and in fact Japan effectively controls them. It is extremely regrettable that Chinese public vessels continue to navigate the connecting waters and invade the territorial waters in the surrounding waters, and we are repeatedly protesting through diplomatic routes. "



He added, "We are paying close attention to the trends surrounding the China Coast Guard, and we are also communicating Japan's concerns and interests in the China Coast Guard bill to the other party."

China "Marine policy remains unchanged, disagreements are dealt with appropriately"

Hua Chunying, a spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, said at a press conference on the 22nd that the "Cast Guard Law" would clarify the role and authority of the China Coast Guard, saying, "China's maritime policy has changed. We will continue to work with the countries concerned to properly handle disagreements and protect regional peace and stability through dialogue and consultation. "



On the other hand, he also mentioned the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture and made his own assertion that "it is a territory peculiar to China and protects the sovereignty and maritime interests of the territory."

Expert "Intention to deter behavior in related countries"

Masafumi Iida, director of the National Institute for Defense Studies of the Ministry of Defense, who is familiar with China's security, said, "By clarifying the authority of the China Coast Guard to use weapons on a mission," the "Sea Police Law" It seems that there is an intention to deter the actions of disputed countries. China is acting step by step to expand its maritime interests, and the enactment of this law is part of that. "



On top of that, "I don't know if the law will make us more willing to use weapons, but if China tries to expand its maritime interests in the South China Sea and the East China Sea, friction with related countries will increase and tensions will arise. In that case, the possibility that the CCG will maximize its capabilities cannot be denied, "he said, saying that Japan needs to be vigilant.