China, Japan risk miscalculation over Diaoyu Islands, analysts say

Tokyo is increasing its military spending and development as both sides step up their presence in the East China Sea

Observers say the escalating tensions over the uninhabited islands can be stabilised by agreeing to common procedures and more dialogue

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The Diaoyu islands, called the Senkakus in Japan, are claimed by Beijing and Tokyo. Photo: Kyodo

Published: 5:00pm, 13 Mar 2021Updated: 7:11pm, 15 Mar 2021

Competing claims over a chain of uninhabited islands in the East China Sea are causing escalating tensions between China and Japan, increasing the risk of a miscalculation in the region, according to analysts.

While Tokyo has never acknowledged that its defence policies are aimed at countering China’s rising assertiveness over the Diaoyu islands – called the Senkakus in Japan – it is investing more in its military development at the same time Chinese coastguard patrols and air force activities have increased.

In the past year, 1,157 Chinese ships entered the contiguous zone of the islands, between 12 and 24 nautical miles, up more than 5 per cent on the previous 12 months and almost triple the number in 2012.

Last month Japanese officials confirmed that existing laws gave its coastguard authority to fire on foreign official vessels intending to land on the islands. It was a response to China giving its coastguard explicit permission to use weapons against ships that Beijing regards as illegally entering its waters – a move which angered Japan, the US and the international community.

Also in February, the military website Janes reported the Japanese government had partnered with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to develop hypersonic missile systems – capable of flying at five times the speed of sound – for the country’s Self-Defence Forces (SDF). Initial focus is on developing the missile’s scramjet engine.

At the same time, Japan’s defence budget for financial year 2021, which begins in April, is expected to grow for the ninth year in a row to around US$51 billion.

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Diaoyu-Senkaku islands spat deepens as Japan warns China over coastguard ships in East China Sea

China, Japan risk miscalculation over Diaoyu Islands, analysts say

Tokyo is increasing its military spending and development as both sides step up their presence in the East China Sea Observers say the escalating tensions over the uninhabited islands can be stabilised by agreeing to common procedures and more dialogue

Tokyo is increasing its military spending and development as both sides step up their presence in the East China Sea

Observers say the escalating tensions over the uninhabited islands can be stabilised by agreeing to common procedures and more dialogue