China Sends Japan a ‘Don't Meddle’ Message Via an Ex-Navy Ship
- Abe supports U.S. challenge to China's territorial claims
- China is beefing up coast guard with former naval frigates
China Coast Guard vessel No. 31239
Source: 11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters-Japan Coast GuardThis article is for subscribers only.
Tensions are rising in the East China Sea after China deployed an armed, former navy frigate for the first time to challenge Japan’s control of contested islands in what may be an attempt to shift Tokyo’s attention away from disputes in the South China Sea.
Three ships including the frigate still equipped with gun turrets and now operated by the Chinese coast guard sailed within the 12-mile exclusion zone that Japan claims around the islands on Dec. 26, said a Japanese foreign ministry official who asked not to be named, citing government policy. Japan lodged an official protest over the incident.