Border Security
Japan’s border security continues to remain a critical issue. In the recently released Annual Report of the Japan Coast Guard two particular themes are highlighted. The first is a section dedicated to describing recent threats to Japan’s territory, saying unlawful activities and roaming by Chinese and Taiwanese ships have “breached Japan’s sovereignty.” The second issue discussed at length is that of the Somali pirates and Japan’s involvement in international efforts.
One of the most sensitive issues for Japan’s border security, revolves around the claim of sovereignty by Japan, China and Taiwan over the Japan-administered Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. Two Chinese survey ships were spotted in Japan’s territorial waters in December and a coast guard patrol boat collided with a Taiwanese sports fishing boat near the uninhabited islets in June, straining Taipei-Tokyo ties.
The annual report reiterates that the coast guard will handle future intrusions “firmly and quickly” to protect Japan’s rights. It also says China’s natural resources development in the East China Sea has been monitored “to protect Japan’s maritime interests.”
Significantly, the report also reviews the coast guard’s efforts off Somalia to fight pirates, saying officers have been aboard two Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyers since March on antipiracy duties. There is discussion which includes a proposal to assisting human resources development in Somalia and surrounding countries to curb piracy, touching on the success the coast guard achieved in fighting pirates in the Malacca Strait.
On the antipiracy law now before the Diet, a coast guard official said it would sufficiently enhance the rules of engagement for Japanese forces.
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