The 2012 white paper on defense, endorsed by the Cabinet on July 31, expressed concern over China's rapid defense buildup and muscle-flexing in the Pacific Ocean, noting that it has become common for Chinese naval vessels to enter the Pacific Ocean, and that China appears intent on improving its ability to deploy its naval forces in international waters.
The report pointed out, for example, that a flotilla of 11 Chinese naval ships, the largest grouping ever, passed between Okinawa Island and Miyako Island in June 2011, and that Chinese ships entered Japanese territorial waters near the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea in August 2011 and March 2012.
In view of this development, it is important to be vigilant over China's moves in the seas around Japan. But it must keep in mind that overreaction could worsen the security situation.