Japan alleges China of using fire control radar on MSDF; Japanese Defense Minister insists on constructing a hotline between the defense authorities of Japan and China; Japan, US, South Korea to boost ties on the North Korean nuclear issue; Japan sets up
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    • February 4-10

    According to reports, Japan has recently alleged Chinese naval vessels of using fire control radar on a Maritime Self Defense Force (MSDF) destroyer and a MSDF ship-based helicopter on January 30 and January 19 respectively near the Senkaku islands which is currently administered by Japan and claimed by China. Beijing however has denied such action and condemned Japanese allegations. The Chinese National Defense Ministry, in a statement, insisted that Japan was spreading false accusations against China distorting facts and defaming Chinese military’s normal combat readiness training.1

    Reports noted that amidst the growing tension between Tokyo and Beijing over the latter’s alleged involvement in the radar issue, Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera has emphasized on opening a hotline service between the defense authorities of the two countries to deter the emergence of any such issue in the future. He stated that China’s recent act was a “threat of force” prohibited under the UN charter. 2

    According to reports, during the recent telephonic conversation between Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and US Secretary of State John Kerry, both the leaders agreed to strengthen the bilateral ties to counter North Korean threat to conduct a third nuclear test. The two also pointed out that Pyongyang needed to understand that such a provocative action would push it to face “significant consequences” from the international community, including additional sanctions on North Korea based on a UN Security Council resolution. In the meantime, Kerry, during a similar telephonic conversation with South Korean Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Kim Sung Hwan insisted on developing strong bilateral ties in dealing with the North’s nuclear threat. 3
    In other developments, according to reports, the Japanese government recently set up an office to deal with territorial and sovereignty issues under the Cabinet Secretariat. The office will primarily coordinate the policies across government agencies on territorial affairs relating to the Senakkau islands in the East China Sea (claimed by China) and the Takeshima Islands (claimed by South Korea) in the Sea of Japan. 4

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