Japan's Defense Ministry released a map on May 11 showing that a four-ship Chinese fleet, led by the top-of-the-line Type 055 destroyer Lhasa, had been operating around Japan for 12 days, according to CNN.
China's Type 055 destroyers Lhasa (102) and Nanchang (101)
CHINESE MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENSE
The map shows the ships' journey starting on April 30 in the Tsushima Strait between South Korea and Japan, then passing through the Tsugaru Strait north of Hokkaido on May 5-6 and arriving at the Izu island chain south of Tokyo on May 11.
After the map was published, China's Global Times published an article saying the fleet's activities were related to "Japan's recent provocative statements" about Taiwan, an island that Beijing considers part of its territory and has left open the possibility of reunification by force.
Chinese experts told the Global Times that the Chinese ships' trip did not violate international law or target any third party, but could be seen as a strong message to Japan.
Earlier, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told Nikkei Asia on May 10 that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is important not only for Japan but also for the international community. Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said on the same day that he had sent a protest note to China after its ambassador said Tokyo would be dragged into the fire if it linked the Taiwan issue to Japan's security.
Japan denies rumors that missing helicopter was shot down by China
On the other hand, Mr. Hayashi recently said that Japan is in talks to open a NATO liaison office in the country, causing China to react.
"We urge Japan to learn from history, stay committed to the path of peaceful development and avoid doing things that could erode trust and affect peace and stability in the region," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said on May 12.
"We have seen NATO continuously strengthening its relations with Asia-Pacific countries, and resolutely turning eastward, interfering in regional internal affairs and provoking bloc confrontation. The rest of the world is closely watching whether Japan really wants to take the lead in NATO expansion in the Asia-Pacific," Wang said.
The tensions and the Chinese fleet’s activities around Japan come as Tokyo prepares to host the G7 summit from May 19. Experts say the focus of the summit is likely to be on Ukraine, but the host country could link the conflict to East Asian security.
Source link
Comment (0)