China steps up maritime surveys in Japanese waters
Japan's Coast Guard is on high alert against increased activity by Chinese maritime survey vessels in Japan's exclusive economic zone in the East China Sea.
The 2 countries are supposed to give prior notice before carrying out surveys in the other side's exclusive economic zone.
But the Chinese side is ignoring the agreement and continuing its activities in Japan's exclusive zone.
The Coast Guard used to spot the ships only a few times a year, but recently they are being seen every month. Seven cases have been reported since July.
The Coast Guard says it receives notification from China, but many vessels are in areas other than those specified.
It says the Chinese ships insist they are conducting legitimate research when they reply to warnings from surveillance vessels or planes. But some ships do not respond to the calls.
The Coast Guard adds that more Chinese fisheries surveillance vessels are being seen near the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture, following the collisions in September last year.
The boats have appeared 14 times so far and one of them intruded into Japanese maritime territory in August for the first time.
The Coast Guard has deployed its newest patrol ship at its southernmost station to monitor the Chinese moves.
Sunday, December 11, 2011 23:28 +0900 (JST
Please read complete article at link below:
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20111211_15.html
KawamotoDragon.com
Sunday, December 11, 2011
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