US and Japan announce joint war exercises for security of Senkaku Island

Tokyo: The United States and Japan announced joint war exercises for the security of the Senkaku Island group in the East China Sea. Along with the army, navy and air force from both countries, the marine units will also participate in the exercises. Two days ago, Chinese destroyers patrolled dangerously near the Japanese marine limits. Thereafter, these exercises were announced.

As per the Japanese defence ministry’s information, three Chinese destroyers were found to be patrolling near Kyushu Island. These destroyers patrolling in the Gulf of Tashima included one destroyer equipped with missiles. The destroyers did not intrude into the Japanese marine region. Japan is criticising that the Chinese destroyers patrolled dangerously.

Only last month, China increased the powers in the hands of its coast guard. China has authorised the coast guard to open fire on any ship sailing, without proper authorisation, in the region claimed by China as its own. Japan has expressed concerns on this issue, and when this issue was discussed during the US-Japan two-plus-two talks, the United States commented on this.

But without paying any heed to the US comments, China sent three destroyers near the Japanese marine region. These Chinese activities can threaten the security of the Senkaku Islands as China has claimed rights over these islands. Japanese Defence Minister, Nobuo Kishi, announced that the United States and Japan would be holding joint war exercises for the security of the Senkaku Islands against this background.

The United States and Japan both have refrained from announcing the location and date of these exercises. But Japan claims that these will be the biggest joint war exercises with the United States.