National / Politics Mar 7, 2021
China FM says coast guard law does not target specific nation
Foreign Minister Wang Yi says China and Japan have "every reason to support each other" to successfully hold both the Tokyo and Beijing Olympics.
Editorials Mar 4, 2021
The government of Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga must blunt the Chinese move while demonstrating its understanding of the risks involved.
Commentary / Japan Mar 4, 2021
Can Japan really shoot at vessels over the Senkaku Islands?
by Kuni Miyake
My American friend in San Francisco said he could not believe Japan could not shoot at invading foreign vessels. His comment hit the nail on the head.
National Mar 3, 2021
Japan scrambling fighters less often against China as it looks to deploy more F-35s
The policy change comes as the Defense Ministry seeks to shift from reactively mobilizing aircraft to proactive surveillance, freeing up resources to concentrate on more high-level training.
National Mar 2, 2021
China urges Japan not to 'complicate' situation over disputed Senkakus
China's Defense Ministry has doubled-down on the issue, noting pointedly that it would work to normalize the patrols in the waters near the islets.
National Mar 1, 2021
Chinese coast guard ships sailed near the disputed Senkaku Islands almost every day last month, the Japanese government said Monday. In February, China Coast Guard ships were spotted inside the contiguous zone surrounding Japan's territorial waters around the Senkakus on 26 days, Chief Cabinet Secretary ...
National Feb 28, 2021
Pressure grows for more vocal stance over Chinese incursions near Senkakus
The government is struggling to keep a careful balance as one misstep could escalate the situation in the East China Sea.
National Feb 27, 2021
"There is no change to U.S. policy regarding the sovereignty of the Senkaku Islands," Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said, apparently referring to Washington's neutrality on the issue.
National | Regional Voices: Okinawa Feb 26, 2021
While government officials are alarmed at the provision for weapons use, no local Japanese fishing vessels travel near the Senkaku Islands nearest China.
National Feb 25, 2021
Japan can shoot at foreign government vessels attempting to land on Senkakus, LDP official says
by Reito Kaneko
Government officials had said earlier Japan's coast guard is only allowed to fire weapons directly at foreign vessels in cases of self-defense and emergency escape.
National Feb 22, 2021
Japan and U.S. coast guards hold rare joint drills near Ogasawara islets
by Jesse Johnson
The exercises came as the China Coast Guard continues to send ships near the Japanese-controlled Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea.
National Feb 22, 2021
Japan holds annual event to push claim to South Korea-held Takeshima islets
The ceremony in Matsue has been held every Feb. 22 since 2006 after the Shimane Prefectural Government designated the day as Takeshima Day in 2005.