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A Chinese flotilla of 10 naval vessels including two submarines was spotted in international waters between Okinawa Island and Miyakojima island on April 17. Reports noted that the development was indicative of efforts of the Chinese Navy to expand its range of operations.1
Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada, at the Lower House Foreign Affairs Committee session on April 14 welcomed negative security assurances detailed in the newly-released US Nuclear Posture Review (NPR). He added that “lobbying efforts” by Japan were also responsible for the change in the US position.2
In other developments, the Japanese government decided to grant visa to Uyghur leader Rebiya Kadeer and the Dalai Lama despite protests by China. A government spokesperson stated that Japan “will not receive them as important person, and the visa is issued in accordance with the law." The Dalai Lama’s visit in June will be his 14th visit to Japan.3
- 1. ‘Chinese Navy expanding role, Government to closely monitor activities in areas around Japan’, The Yomiuri Shimbhun, April 15, 2010 at http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/20100415TDY02T03.htm
- 2. ‘Okada in uphill nuclear battle’, Asahi Shimbhun, April 16, 2010 at http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201004150381.html
- 3. ‘Japan decides to grant visa to Rebiya Kadeer and Dalai Lama’,” China Tibet Information Center, April 16, 2010 at http://chinatibet.people.com.cn/6953937.html