TAIPEI (TVBS News) — In a bold move highlighting the ongoing territorial disputes in East Asia, a Japanese group led by former Defense Minister Tomomi Inada conducted a three-hour drone inspection near the Japan-controlled Senkaku Islands (釣魚台列嶼) on Saturday (April 27).
The mission, organized by the city of Ishigaki in Okinawa Prefecture, aimed to assess the security situation amid attempts by the Japanese coast guard to fend off the Chinese coastguard.
Tensions in the East China Sea
Tomomi Inada, a senior official of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, underscored the significance of the Senkaku Islands as Japan's sovereign territory. "The need for on-site research is crucial," Inada stated, according to NHK, emphasizing the importance of understanding the current security dynamics around the islands.
Diplomatic Strains
The Chinese embassy has responded to the inspection by urging Japan to adhere to a consensus between the two nations, calling for an end to "political provocations" and the escalation of the situation. "Dialogue and consultation are the only way forward," the embassy stated, highlighting the need for a peaceful resolution to the disputes.
This incident not only raises the stakes in the East China Sea but also reflects broader territorial conflicts in the region, including those in the South China Sea, where China's maritime claims clash with those of several Southeast Asian countries and the Philippines.