Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi expressed “grave concerns” regarding escalating security tensions with China and Russia during video conferences with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, signaling Tokyo’s initiative to seek support from the international community.
In a briefing held on Wednesday evening, Koizumi informed Rutte and Crosetto about China’s purported use of fire-control radar against Japanese fighter jets, as well as a joint flight involving Chinese and Russian bombers south of Okinawa, according to Japan’s Defense Ministry.
Koizumi emphasized his commitment to enhance cooperation with both Rutte and Crosetto, reiterating Japan’s intention to respond to these developments in a “calm and yet resolute manner,” as stated by the ministry.
On the same day, US and Japanese military forces conducted a joint exercise in the airspace over the Sea of Japan, reinforcing their position of “not tolerating unilateral changes to the status quo by force,” according to a statement from the Japan Joint Staff. The exercise featured two US B-52 bombers alongside Japanese fighter jets.
The situation has been complicated by a dispute that escalated following comments made by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Taiwan on November 7. Both Japan and China have exchanged accusations and sought support from other nations. While the US ambassador in Japan has indicated State Department backing for Tokyo, key officials in Washington have refrained from making public comments on the issue. Meanwhile, China has reached out to countries including the UK, Germany, and France to garner support for its “One China” principle.
The tension intensified following two incidents: the alleged radar usage on December 6 and the joint bomber flight on December 9, both occurring near Japan’s southern islands, where Tokyo has been bolstering its defense capabilities.
Disputes over islands in the East China Sea, known as the Diaoyu in China and the Senkaku in Japan, continue to strain relations. Both nations issued warnings to each other earlier this month, with significant activity reported.
On Wednesday, four China Coast Guard vessels entered Japanese territorial waters near the contested islands, according to the Japan Coast Guard. Chinese vessels frequently operate in these waters, with reports indicating that fifteen Chinese boats entered them in March alone.
With contributions from Alastair Gale.
