{"id":2549,"date":"2025-04-18T18:50:32","date_gmt":"2025-04-18T09:50:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rips.or.jp\/en\/?page_id=2549"},"modified":"2025-05-29T03:50:53","modified_gmt":"2025-05-28T18:50:53","slug":"vol-19-april-15-2025","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.rips.or.jp\/en\/newsletter\/vol-19-april-15-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Vol. 19, April 15, 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"l-container\">\n<div class=\"l-post-content\">\n<style>\nbody {\n    width: 100%;\n    height: 100%;\n    margin: 0;\n    padding: 0;\n    background-color: #fafafa;\n}\nh1, h2, h3, h4, th, td, p, div {\n    font-family: \"Helvetica\", sans-serif;\n}\ntable tr, table th, table td {\n    border: none;\n    padding: 0;\n    margin: 0;\n    font-weight: normal;\n}\n.c-table, .l-post-content table, #tinymce.post-type-post table, #tinymce.post-type-page table, #tinymce.post-type-symposium table, #tinymce.post-type-rips_eye table, #tinymce.post-type-activity_report table, #tinymce.post-type-monthly_seminar table, #tinymce.post-type-corporate_seminar table, #tinymce.post-type-research table, #tinymce.post-type-president_column table, #tinymce.post-type-tinymcetemplates table {\n    border: none;\n    padding: 0;\n    margin: 0;\n}\n.c-table > thead > tr > th, .l-post-content table > thead > tr > th, #tinymce.post-type-post table > thead > tr > th, #tinymce.post-type-page table > thead > tr > th, #tinymce.post-type-symposium table > thead > tr > th, #tinymce.post-type-rips_eye table > thead > tr > th, #tinymce.post-type-activity_report table > thead > tr > th, #tinymce.post-type-monthly_seminar table > thead > tr > th, #tinymce.post-type-corporate_seminar table > thead > tr > th, #tinymce.post-type-research table > thead > tr > th, #tinymce.post-type-president_column table > thead > tr > th, #tinymce.post-type-tinymcetemplates table > thead > tr > th, .c-table > tbody > tr > th, .l-post-content table > tbody > tr > th, #tinymce.post-type-post table > tbody > tr > th, #tinymce.post-type-page table > tbody > tr > th, #tinymce.post-type-symposium table > tbody > tr > th, #tinymce.post-type-rips_eye table > tbody > tr > th, #tinymce.post-type-activity_report table > tbody > tr > th, #tinymce.post-type-monthly_seminar table > tbody > tr > th, #tinymce.post-type-corporate_seminar table > tbody > tr > th, #tinymce.post-type-research table > tbody > tr > th, #tinymce.post-type-president_column table > tbody > tr > th, #tinymce.post-type-tinymcetemplates table > tbody > tr > th, .c-table > tbody > tr > td, .l-post-content table > tbody > tr > td, #tinymce.post-type-post table > tbody > tr > td, #tinymce.post-type-page table > tbody > tr > td, #tinymce.post-type-symposium table > tbody > tr > td, #tinymce.post-type-rips_eye table > tbody > tr > td, #tinymce.post-type-activity_report table > tbody > tr > td, #tinymce.post-type-monthly_seminar table > tbody > tr > td, #tinymce.post-type-corporate_seminar table > tbody > tr > td, #tinymce.post-type-research table > tbody > tr > td, #tinymce.post-type-president_column table > tbody > tr > td, #tinymce.post-type-tinymcetemplates table > tbody > tr > td {\n    border: none;\n    padding: 0;\n    margin: 0;\n}\nhr, .hr {\n    border: none;\n    border-bottom: 1px solid #000;\n    margin-left: 0;\n    margin-right: 0;\n    max-width: none;\n    margin-top: 10px;\n    margin-bottom: 10px;\n}\ncenter {\n    word-break: break-all;\n}\ncenter .table-base {\n    border-collapse: collapse;\n    : 100%;\n    margin: 0;\n    padding: 0;\n    width: 100%;\n    background-color: #fafafa;\n}\ncenter .table-inner {\n    border-collapse: collapse;\n    border: 0;\n    width: 100%;\n    max-width: 600px;\n}\ncenter img {\n    max-: 240px;\n    width: auto;\n}\ncenter ul {\n    display: block;\n}\ncenter li {\n    display: block;\n}\n.table-box {\n    width: 100%;\n    overflow-x: auto;<\/p>\n<p>}\n.table-box table {\n    width: 100%;\n    display: block;\n}\n<\/style>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" style=\"max-width: 450.0pt; border-collapse: collapse; background-color: #ffffff;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 6.75pt 0mm 0mm 0mm; background: cover no-repeat #ffffff;\">\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width: 100.0%; border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 6.75pt 0mm 0mm 0mm; min-width: 100%;\">\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" align=\"left\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width: 100.0%; background: white; border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 0mm 13.5pt 6.75pt 13.5pt; min-width: 100%;\">\n<h1 align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center; line-: 25.2pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 18.0pt; color: #202020;\">Vol.19. April 15, 2025<\/span><\/h1>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 18.0pt;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">What is happening in East Asian Maritime Security? The Research Institute for Peaceand Security (RIPS) publishes the biweekly newsletter, the information onmaritime security relevant to East Asia and Japan&#8217;s territory..<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 6.75pt 0mm 0mm 0mm;\">\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" align=\"left\" style=\"background: white; border-collapse: collapse;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 0mm 13.5pt 0mm 13.5pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 16.0pt; color: black;\">Statistical\u00a0Data\u00a0and\u00a0Analysis\u00a0(as\u00a0of April 15)<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: 1.5rem; padding: 1rem; background: #aeedf1;\">\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0 \u00a0During this period, there have been various developments regarding maritime security in East Asia.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0 \u00a0Entering by Chinese Coast Guard vessels into the Japanese contiguous zone around the Senkaku Islands have been confirmed on an ongoing basis. During this period, the intrusions into Japan&#8217;s territorial waters around the Senkaku Islands also occurred intermittently.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0 \u00a0In addition to this, the Chinese navy and air force have also been active around Japan. On April 1 and 2, the Chinese military conducted large-scale military exercises in the sea and airspace surrounding Taiwan. In the South China Sea, there have been reports of developments\u00a0related to the strengthening of China&#8217;s military capabilities.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400; margin-bottom: 0;\">\u00a0 \u00a0At the same time, there have been moves of strengthening of ties and cooperation with allies and like-minded countries, such as the Japan-U.S. defense ministers&#8217; meeting, the implementation of Japan-U.S.-Philippines cooperative exercise, and the expression of deep concern by G7 countries about military exercises by the Chinese military in the vicinity of Taiwan.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">[Statistical Data as of April 15]<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"2\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 0mm 13.5pt 0mm 13.5pt;\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 0mm 13.5pt 6.75pt 13.5pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-right: 30.0pt;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">Japan Coast Guard (JCG) daily updates the statistical data on the number of China Coast Guard vessels entering in the contiguous zone around the Senkaku Islands and intruding into Japanese territorial waters. The below is from the website of JCG.<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><u><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">(<\/span><\/u><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaiho.mlit.go.jp\/mission\/senkaku\/senkaku.html\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.kaiho.mlit.go.jp\/mission\/senkaku\/senkaku.html&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1743466658650000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2lSxpviNsXAJxvF5IjjW2g\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color: #0563c1;\">https:\/\/www.kaiho.mlit.go.jp\/<wbr \/> mission\/senkaku\/senkaku.html<\/span><\/a><\/span><u><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">)<\/span><\/u><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><u><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: none;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/u><\/p>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">Mar.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><a name=\"m_7332603014815507278_m_-1738302690041840738__Hlk190259379\"><\/a><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">Contiguous zone<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\"> <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">Territorial<br \/>\nsea<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">Apr.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">Contiguous zone <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">Territorial <br \/>\nsea<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">28<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">6<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">2<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">29<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\"><\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">7<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">30<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\"><\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">8<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">31<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\"><\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">9<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">Apr.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\"><\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">10<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">8<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\"><\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">11<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: 1pt solid windowtext; border-image: initial; border-top: none; padding: 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">2<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0mm 4.95pt;\"><\/td>\n<td style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">12<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0mm 4.95pt;\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: 1pt solid windowtext; border-image: initial; border-top: none; padding: 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">3<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0mm 4.95pt;\"><\/td>\n<td style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">13<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0mm 4.95pt;\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\"><\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">14<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">5<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\">2<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: black;\">15<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\"><\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" style=\"border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0mm 4.95pt 0mm 4.95pt;\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><u><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: none;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/u><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"100\" valign=\"top\" style=\"border-top: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; background: #a5e9ff; padding: 3.75pt 13.5pt 3.75pt 13.5pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">Date<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"border: none; border-top: solid white 1.0pt; background: #eeeeee; padding: 3.75pt 13.5pt 3.75pt 13.5pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"margin-right: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: 12.0pt; text-align: center;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">Topics<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"border-top: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; background: #a5e9ff; padding: 3.75pt 13.5pt 3.75pt 13.5pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">3\/27<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: none; border-top: solid white 1.0pt; background: #eeeeee; padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<div>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp;Japan&#8217;s&nbsp;government&nbsp;has&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n    compiled&nbsp;a&nbsp;plan&nbsp;to&nbsp;evacuate&nbsp;<wbr>people&nbsp;from&nbsp;remote&nbsp;islands&nbsp;in&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n    the <\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">southwestern&nbsp;prefecture&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n    Okinawa&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;event&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr>emergencies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;plan,&nbsp;the&nbsp;first&nbsp;of&nbsp;its&nbsp;<wbr>kind,&nbsp;was&nbsp;released&nbsp;on&nbsp;<wbr>Thursday.&nbsp;It&nbsp;would&nbsp;be&nbsp;used&nbsp;in&nbsp;<wbr>cases&nbsp;such&nbsp;as&nbsp;<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">a&nbsp;contingency&nbsp;involving&nbsp;<wbr>Taiwan.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;People&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;five&nbsp;<wbr>municipalities&nbsp;covering&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>Sakishima&nbsp;Islands&nbsp;would&nbsp;be&nbsp;<wbr>evacuated&nbsp;<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">under&nbsp;the&nbsp;plan.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;plan&nbsp;calls&nbsp;for&nbsp;<wbr>evacuating&nbsp;around&nbsp;120,000&nbsp;<wbr>residents&nbsp;and&nbsp;tourists&nbsp;to&nbsp;32&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n  municipalities <\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">in&nbsp;Kyushu,&nbsp;and&nbsp;to&nbsp;neighboring&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n  Yamaguchi&nbsp;Prefecture in&nbsp;about&nbsp;six&nbsp;days. The&nbsp;destinations <\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">would&nbsp;include&nbsp;Fukuoka&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>Kagoshima&nbsp;airports. Vessels&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;Self-Defense&nbsp;<wbr>Forces and&nbsp;<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">the&nbsp;Japan Coast&nbsp;Guard,&nbsp;as&nbsp;well&nbsp;as&nbsp;<wbr>private-sector ferries and&nbsp;aircraft&nbsp;would&nbsp;be&nbsp;used&nbsp;to&nbsp;<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">transport 20,000&nbsp;people per&nbsp;day&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;islands. From&nbsp;there,&nbsp;chartered&nbsp;buses&nbsp;<wbr>and&nbsp;other&nbsp;<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">methods&nbsp;of&nbsp;transport&nbsp;would&nbsp;be&nbsp;<wbr>used&nbsp;to&nbsp;take&nbsp;evacuees&nbsp;to&nbsp;<wbr>hotels&nbsp;and&nbsp;Japanese-style&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n  inns&nbsp;in <\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">32&nbsp;municipalities&nbsp;in&nbsp;Kyushu&#8217;s&nbsp;<wbr>seven&nbsp;prefectures and&nbsp;Yamaguchi&nbsp;Prefecture.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<wbr>government&nbsp;<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">plan&nbsp;calls&nbsp;for&nbsp;all&nbsp;residents&nbsp;<wbr>from&nbsp;one&nbsp;local&nbsp;district&nbsp;to&nbsp;<wbr>beevacuated&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;same&nbsp;<wbr>municipality,&nbsp;<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">so&nbsp;they&nbsp;can&nbsp;maintain&nbsp;their&nbsp;<wbr>local&nbsp;community.<\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">For&nbsp;example,&nbsp;residents&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr>districts&nbsp;in&nbsp;Yonaguni&nbsp;Town&nbsp;<wbr>would&nbsp;be&nbsp;evacuated&nbsp;to&nbsp;Saga&nbsp;<wbr>City&nbsp;or&nbsp;<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Tosu&nbsp;City.&nbsp;Residents&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr>Taketomi&nbsp;Town&#8217;s&nbsp;Hateruma&nbsp;<wbr>Island&nbsp;would&nbsp;be&nbsp;accommodated&nbsp;<wbr>in&nbsp;<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Omura&nbsp;City,&nbsp;Nagasaki&nbsp;<wbr>Prefecture.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;government&nbsp;plans&nbsp;to&nbsp;<wbr>further&nbsp;study&nbsp;support&nbsp;<wbr>measures&nbsp;for&nbsp;elderly&nbsp;<wbr>residents&nbsp;and&nbsp;<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">hospitalized&nbsp;patients&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>what&nbsp;to&nbsp;do&nbsp;if&nbsp;evacuations&nbsp;<wbr>become&nbsp;prolonged.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<wbr>government&nbsp;<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">also&nbsp;hopes&nbsp;to&nbsp;compile&nbsp;basic&nbsp;<wbr>guidelines&nbsp;in&nbsp;fiscal&nbsp;2026.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">______________________________<wbr \/>__________<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\">NHK&nbsp;World&nbsp;(English)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/nhkworld\/en\/news\/20250327_15\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?hl=ja&amp;q=https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/nhkworld\/en\/news\/20250327_15\/index.html&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1748517347041000&amp;usg=AOvVaw14NMqfCI_lvLPNpBevTRXb\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color:#337ab7\">https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/<wbr>nhkworld\/en\/news\/20250327_15\/<wbr>index.html<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"border-top: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; background: #a5e9ff; padding: 3.75pt 13.5pt 3.75pt 13.5pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">3\/28<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: none; border-top: solid white 1.0pt; background: #eeeeee; padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<div>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;China&nbsp;deployed&nbsp;two&nbsp;long-<wbr>range&nbsp;H-6&nbsp;bombers&nbsp;around&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n  Scarborough&nbsp;Shoal&nbsp;this&nbsp;week, <\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">in&nbsp;Beijing&#8217;s&nbsp;latest&nbsp;move&nbsp;to&nbsp;<wbr>assert&nbsp;sovereignty&nbsp;over&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>hotly&nbsp;disputed&nbsp;atoll&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>South&nbsp;<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">China&nbsp;Sea,&nbsp;satellite&nbsp;images&nbsp;<wbr>obtained&nbsp;by&nbsp;Reuters&nbsp;showed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;deployment,&nbsp;which&nbsp;was&nbsp;<wbr>not&nbsp;publicised&nbsp;by&nbsp;China,&nbsp;came&nbsp;<wbr>ahead&nbsp;of&nbsp;U.S.&nbsp;Defense&nbsp;<wbr>Secretary&nbsp;<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Pete&nbsp;Hegseth&#8217;s&nbsp;visit&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>Philippines,&nbsp;which&nbsp;also&nbsp;<wbr>claims&nbsp;the&nbsp;shoal&nbsp;that&nbsp;lies&nbsp;<wbr>within&nbsp;its&nbsp;<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">exclusive&nbsp;economic&nbsp;zone&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr>200&nbsp;nautical&nbsp;miles.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;China&#8217;s&nbsp;defence&nbsp;ministry&nbsp;did&nbsp;<wbr>not&nbsp;immediately&nbsp;respond&nbsp;to&nbsp;<wbr>questions&nbsp;from&nbsp;Reuters&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">scale&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;deployment&nbsp;or&nbsp;<wbr>whether&nbsp;it&nbsp;was&nbsp;timed&nbsp;to&nbsp;<wbr>coincide&nbsp;with&nbsp;Hegseth&#8217;s&nbsp;trip. Officials&nbsp;<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">from&nbsp;the&nbsp;Philippines National&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>military&nbsp;did&nbsp;not&nbsp;immediately&nbsp;<wbr>respond&nbsp;<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">to&nbsp;requests&nbsp;for&nbsp;comment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;During&nbsp;a&nbsp;visit&nbsp;to&nbsp;Manila&nbsp;on&nbsp;<wbr>Friday,&nbsp;Hegseth&nbsp;reaffirmed&nbsp;<wbr>the&nbsp;United&nbsp;States&#8217;&nbsp;&#8220;ironclad&nbsp;<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">commitment&#8221;&nbsp;to&nbsp;its&nbsp;mutual&nbsp;<wbr>defence&nbsp;treaty&nbsp;with&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>Philippines,&nbsp;saying&nbsp;China&#8217;s&nbsp;<wbr>actions&nbsp;made&nbsp;<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">deterrence&nbsp;necessary&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;Monday&#8217;s&nbsp;images&nbsp;taken&nbsp;by&nbsp;<wbr>Maxar&nbsp;Technologies&nbsp;show&nbsp;two&nbsp;<wbr>aircraft&nbsp;east&nbsp;of&nbsp;Scarborough&nbsp;<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Shoal,&nbsp;which&nbsp;China&nbsp;calls&nbsp;&#8220;<wbr>Huangyan&nbsp;Dao&#8221;.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;In&nbsp;recent&nbsp;years,&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;<wbr>coast&nbsp;guard&nbsp;vessels&nbsp;have&nbsp;<wbr>clashed&nbsp;frequently&nbsp;with&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n  Philippine <\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">fishermen&nbsp;near&nbsp;the&nbsp;mouth&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr>atoll,&nbsp;which&nbsp;China&nbsp;has&nbsp;at&nbsp;<wbr>times&nbsp;attempted&nbsp;to&nbsp;block&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n  since&nbsp;it <\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">seized&nbsp;de&nbsp;facto&nbsp;control&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr>the&nbsp;shoal&nbsp;in&nbsp;2012.&nbsp;Last&nbsp;month,<wbr><br \/>\n  &nbsp;the&nbsp;Philippines&nbsp;coast&nbsp;guard <\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">accused&nbsp;the&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;navy&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr>performing&nbsp;dangerous&nbsp;flight&nbsp;<wbr>manoeuvres&nbsp;nearby.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;An&nbsp;international&nbsp;arbitration&nbsp;<wbr>tribunal&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;Hague&nbsp;ruled&nbsp;<wbr>in&nbsp;2016&nbsp;that&nbsp;China&#8217;s&nbsp;claims&nbsp;<wbr>had&nbsp;no&nbsp;<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">legal&nbsp;basis,&nbsp;but&nbsp;Beijing&nbsp;<wbr>rejected&nbsp;that&nbsp;decision.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;In&nbsp;an&nbsp;email&nbsp;to&nbsp;Reuters,&nbsp;<wbr>Maxar&nbsp;said&nbsp;the&nbsp;aircraft&nbsp;in&nbsp;<wbr>the&nbsp;images&nbsp;were&nbsp;H-6&nbsp;bombers,&nbsp;<wbr>adding&nbsp;<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">that&nbsp;&#8220;rainbow&nbsp;colours&#8221;&nbsp;close&nbsp;<wbr>to&nbsp;them&nbsp;resulted&nbsp;when&nbsp;<wbr>satellite&nbsp;images&nbsp;of&nbsp;fast-<wbr>moving&nbsp;objects&nbsp;<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">were&nbsp;processed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;timing&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;flights&nbsp;<wbr>was&nbsp;unlikely&nbsp;to&nbsp;be&nbsp;accidental,<wbr>&nbsp;however,&nbsp;regional&nbsp;security&nbsp;<wbr>analysts&nbsp;<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">said. Beijing&nbsp;was&nbsp;sending&nbsp;&#8220;a&nbsp;signal&nbsp;<wbr>that&nbsp;China&nbsp;has&nbsp;a&nbsp;<wbr>sophisticated&nbsp;military,&#8221;&nbsp;said&nbsp;<wbr>Peter&nbsp;Layton&nbsp;of&nbsp;Australia&#8217;s&nbsp;<wbr>Griffith&nbsp;Asia&nbsp;Institute.&nbsp;&#8220;The&nbsp;<wbr>bombers&#8217;&nbsp;second&nbsp;message&nbsp;could&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n  be&nbsp;you <\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp;(the&nbsp;United&nbsp;States)&nbsp;have&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>potential&nbsp;for&nbsp;long&nbsp;range&nbsp;<wbr>strike;&nbsp;so&nbsp;do&nbsp;we,&nbsp;and&nbsp;in&nbsp;<wbr>larger&nbsp;<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">numbers.&nbsp;Clearly&nbsp;not&nbsp;<wbr>serendipity,&#8221;&nbsp;he&nbsp;added.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;Regional&nbsp;military&nbsp;attaches&nbsp;<wbr>say&nbsp;China&nbsp;has&nbsp;gradually&nbsp;<wbr>stepped&nbsp;up&nbsp;deployments&nbsp;of&nbsp;H-6&nbsp;<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">bombers&nbsp;into&nbsp;the&nbsp;South&nbsp;China&nbsp;<wbr>Sea&nbsp;as&nbsp;its&nbsp;military&nbsp;presence&nbsp;<wbr>has&nbsp;grown,&nbsp;starting&nbsp;with&nbsp;<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">landings&nbsp;on&nbsp;improved&nbsp;runways&nbsp;<wbr>in&nbsp;the&nbsp;disputed&nbsp;Paracel&nbsp;<wbr>islands&nbsp;in&nbsp;2018.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;jet-powered&nbsp;H-6&nbsp;is&nbsp;based&nbsp;<wbr>on&nbsp;a&nbsp;Soviet-era&nbsp;design&nbsp;but&nbsp;<wbr>has&nbsp;been&nbsp;modernised&nbsp;to&nbsp;<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">carry&nbsp;an&nbsp;array&nbsp;of&nbsp;anti-ship&nbsp;<wbr>and&nbsp;land&nbsp;attack&nbsp;cruise&nbsp;<wbr>missiles,&nbsp;and&nbsp;some&nbsp;are&nbsp;<wbr>capable&nbsp;of&nbsp;<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">launching&nbsp;nuclear-tipped&nbsp;<wbr>ballistic&nbsp;missiles. Similar&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;U.S.&nbsp;B-52,&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>basic&nbsp;H-6&nbsp;design&nbsp;<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">dates&nbsp;back&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;1950s but&nbsp;with&nbsp;improved&nbsp;engines,&nbsp;<wbr>modern&nbsp;strike&nbsp;weapons&nbsp;and&nbsp;<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">on-board&nbsp;flight&nbsp;systems,&nbsp;it&nbsp;<wbr>is&nbsp;China&#8217;s&nbsp;key&nbsp;long-range&nbsp;<wbr>bomber.&nbsp;The&nbsp;Pentagon&#8217;s&nbsp;annual&nbsp;<wbr>report&nbsp;<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">on&nbsp;China&#8217;s&nbsp;military&nbsp;in&nbsp;<wbr>December&nbsp;said&nbsp;a&nbsp;more&nbsp;stealthy&nbsp;<wbr>aircraft&nbsp;was&nbsp;probably&nbsp;in&nbsp;<wbr>development.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;bombers&nbsp;were&nbsp;deployed&nbsp;in&nbsp;<wbr>war&nbsp;game&nbsp;drills&nbsp;in&nbsp;October&nbsp;<wbr>around&nbsp;Taiwan,&nbsp;which&nbsp;China&nbsp;<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">claims&nbsp;as&nbsp;its&nbsp;own&nbsp;territory,&nbsp;<wbr>and&nbsp;in&nbsp;late&nbsp;December&nbsp;at&nbsp;<wbr>Scarborough,&nbsp;as&nbsp;part&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr>broader&nbsp;air&nbsp;and&nbsp;<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">sea&nbsp;operations&nbsp;by&nbsp;the&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;<wbr>military&#8217;s&nbsp;Southern&nbsp;Theatre&nbsp;<wbr>Command.<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">The&nbsp;command,&nbsp;which&nbsp;covers&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea,&nbsp;operates&nbsp;two&nbsp;<wbr>regiments&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">bombers,&nbsp;the&nbsp;London-based&nbsp;<wbr>International&nbsp;Institute&nbsp;for&nbsp;<wbr>Strategic&nbsp;Studies&nbsp;says.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;December&nbsp;drills&nbsp;were&nbsp;<wbr>publicised,&nbsp;with&nbsp;the&nbsp;defence&nbsp;<wbr>ministry&nbsp;saying&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;time&nbsp;<wbr>they&nbsp;<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">were&nbsp;meant&nbsp;to&nbsp;&#8220;resolutely&nbsp;<wbr>safeguard&nbsp;China&#8217;s&nbsp;national&nbsp;<wbr>sovereignty&nbsp;and&nbsp;security,&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>maintain&nbsp;<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">peace&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea&#8221;.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;ministry&nbsp;posted&nbsp;images&nbsp;<wbr>of&nbsp;aircraft&nbsp;above&nbsp;the&nbsp;shoal&nbsp;<wbr>but&nbsp;satellite&nbsp;images&nbsp;<wbr>capturing&nbsp;<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">patrols&nbsp;in&nbsp;operation&nbsp;are&nbsp;rare.<wbr>&nbsp;The&nbsp;altitude&nbsp;at&nbsp;which&nbsp;the&nbsp;H-<wbr>6s&nbsp;were&nbsp;flying&nbsp;near&nbsp;the&nbsp;shoal&nbsp;<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">is&nbsp;not&nbsp;known.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;Taiwan&#8217;s&nbsp;government&nbsp;rejects&nbsp;<wbr>China&#8217;s&nbsp;sovereignty&nbsp;claim,&nbsp;<wbr>saying&nbsp;only&nbsp;the&nbsp;island&#8217;s&nbsp;<wbr>people&nbsp;<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">can&nbsp;decide&nbsp;their&nbsp;future.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">______________________________<wbr \/>__________<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\">Reuters&nbsp;(English)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/world\/asia-pacific\/satellite-images-show-fresh-chinese-bomber-deployment-south-china-sea-2025-03-28\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?hl=ja&amp;q=https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/world\/asia-pacific\/satellite-images-show-fresh-chinese-bomber-deployment-south-china-sea-2025-03-28\/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1748517347042000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1cAXcBaBka9x1S5juS7MbC\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color:#337ab7\">https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/world\/<wbr>asia-pacific\/satellite-images-<wbr>show-fresh-chinese-bomber-<wbr>deployment-south-china-sea-<wbr>2025-03-28\/<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"border-top: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; background: #a5e9ff; padding: 3.75pt 13.5pt 3.75pt 13.5pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">3\/28<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: none; border-top: solid white 1.0pt; background: #eeeeee; padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<div>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;Taiwan&#8217;s&nbsp;defence&nbsp;minister&nbsp;<wbr>dismissed&nbsp;on&nbsp;Friday&nbsp;China&#8217;s&nbsp;<wbr>complaints&nbsp;about&nbsp;a&nbsp;collision&nbsp;between&nbsp;a&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;navy&nbsp;ship&nbsp;<wbr>and&nbsp;a&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;trawler&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>sensitive&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;Strait,&nbsp;<wbr>vowing&nbsp;that&nbsp;Taipei&nbsp;would&nbsp;carry&nbsp;on&nbsp;<wbr>military&nbsp;exercises&nbsp;undeterred.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;China&#8217;s&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;Affairs&nbsp;<wbr>Office&nbsp;condemned&nbsp;the&nbsp;actions&nbsp;<wbr>of&nbsp;the&nbsp;Taiwanese&nbsp;landing&nbsp;ship&nbsp;<wbr>as&nbsp;&#8220;wicked&#8221;&nbsp;following&nbsp;Thursday&#8217;s&nbsp;<wbr>collision&nbsp;off&nbsp;Taiwan&#8217;s&nbsp;<wbr>central&nbsp;city&nbsp;of&nbsp;Taichung.&nbsp;<wbr>Taiwan,&nbsp;however,&nbsp;said&nbsp;it&nbsp;did&nbsp;not&nbsp;take&nbsp;place&nbsp;in&nbsp;<wbr>&#8220;restricted&#8221;&nbsp;waters.&nbsp;&#8220;The&nbsp;<wbr>Taiwan&nbsp;Affairs&nbsp;Office&nbsp;always&nbsp;<wbr>says&nbsp;things&nbsp;like&nbsp;this,&#8221;&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;Defence&nbsp;<wbr>Minister&nbsp;Wellington&nbsp;Koo&nbsp;told reporters&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;sidelines&nbsp;&nbsp;<wbr>of&nbsp;parliament.&nbsp;&#8220;I&nbsp;can&nbsp;only&nbsp;say&nbsp;<wbr>that&nbsp;we&nbsp;will&nbsp;carry&nbsp;out&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>drills&nbsp;we should be&nbsp;carrying&nbsp;out.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;Asked&nbsp;if&nbsp;the&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;fishing&nbsp;<wbr>boat&nbsp;was&nbsp;spying&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>activities&nbsp;of&nbsp;Taiwan&#8217;s&nbsp;navy,&nbsp;<wbr>Koo&nbsp;said<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">it&nbsp;was&nbsp;&#8220;not&nbsp;really&nbsp;possible&#8221;&nbsp;<wbr>for&nbsp;such&nbsp;a&nbsp;vessel&nbsp;to&nbsp;get&nbsp;any&nbsp;<wbr>kind&nbsp;of&nbsp;detailed&nbsp;information&nbsp;<wbr>on&nbsp;military&nbsp;activity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;China&nbsp;said&nbsp;it&nbsp;is&nbsp;also&nbsp;<wbr>investigating&nbsp;the&nbsp;collision,&nbsp;<wbr>which&nbsp;happened&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;<wbr>side&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;Strait&#8217;s&nbsp;median&nbsp;line&nbsp;which&nbsp;<wbr>used&nbsp;to&nbsp;unofficially&nbsp;<wbr>demarcate&nbsp;the&nbsp;two&nbsp;sides&#8217;&nbsp;air&nbsp;<wbr>and&nbsp;maritime&nbsp;border,&nbsp;but&nbsp;which&nbsp;Beijing&nbsp;<wbr>says&nbsp;it&nbsp;does&nbsp;not&nbsp;recognise.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;Taiwan&#8217;s&nbsp;coast&nbsp;guard&nbsp;is&nbsp;<wbr>leading&nbsp;an&nbsp;investigation&nbsp;into&nbsp;<wbr>what&nbsp;happened,&nbsp;Koo&nbsp;said&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr>the&nbsp;incident,&nbsp;in&nbsp;which&nbsp;there&nbsp;were&nbsp;<wbr>no&nbsp;casualties,&nbsp;declining&nbsp;to&nbsp;<wbr>speculate&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;reason&nbsp;or&nbsp;<wbr>where&nbsp;to&nbsp;attribute&nbsp;blame.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;Strait&nbsp;is&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>site&nbsp;of&nbsp;daily&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>Taiwanese&nbsp;military&nbsp;activities,<wbr>&nbsp;though&nbsp;both&nbsp;sides&nbsp;normally&nbsp;maintain&nbsp;<wbr>a&nbsp;respectful&nbsp;distance&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>there&nbsp;have&nbsp;been&nbsp;no&nbsp;exchanges&nbsp;<wbr>of&nbsp;fire&nbsp;for&nbsp;decades.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;Chieh&nbsp;Chung,&nbsp;a&nbsp;researcher&nbsp;at&nbsp;<wbr>Taipei-based&nbsp;think&nbsp;tank&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>Association&nbsp;of&nbsp;Strategic&nbsp;Foresight,said&nbsp;China&nbsp;could&nbsp;<wbr>use&nbsp;the&nbsp;incident&nbsp;as&nbsp;a&nbsp;further&nbsp;<wbr>pretext&nbsp;to&nbsp;cross&nbsp;the&nbsp;median&nbsp;line&nbsp;and&nbsp;send&nbsp;its&nbsp;own&nbsp;coast&nbsp;<wbr>guard&nbsp;vessels&nbsp;toprotect&nbsp;its&nbsp;<wbr>fishermen.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;That&nbsp;would&nbsp;mean&nbsp;Beijing&nbsp;<wbr>trying&nbsp;to&nbsp;further&nbsp;assert&nbsp;its&nbsp;<wbr>legal&nbsp;claims&nbsp;to&nbsp;jurisdiction&nbsp;<wbr>over&nbsp;the&nbsp;waterway,&nbsp;Chieh&nbsp;said,&nbsp;adding,&nbsp;<wbr>&#8220;National&nbsp;security&nbsp;units&nbsp;<wbr>should&nbsp;not&nbsp;take&nbsp;this&nbsp;matter&nbsp;<wbr>lightly.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;China,&nbsp;which&nbsp;claims&nbsp;<wbr>democratically&nbsp;governed&nbsp;<wbr>Taiwan&nbsp;as&nbsp;its&nbsp;own&nbsp;territory,&nbsp;<wbr>has&nbsp;ramped&nbsp;up&nbsp;its&nbsp;military&nbsp;drills&nbsp;around&nbsp;<wbr>the&nbsp;island&nbsp;in&nbsp;recent&nbsp;years.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;rejects&nbsp;China&#8217;s&nbsp;<wbr>sovereignty&nbsp;claims&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>routinely&nbsp;denounces&nbsp;what&nbsp;it&nbsp;<wbr>says&nbsp;are&nbsp;Beijing&#8217;s&nbsp;efforts&nbsp;to&nbsp;pressure&nbsp;<wbr>Taipei.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;This&nbsp;week,&nbsp;China&#8217;s&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;<wbr>Affairs&nbsp;Office&nbsp;published&nbsp;a&nbsp;<wbr>list&nbsp;of&nbsp;alleged&nbsp;&#8220;separatists&#8221;&nbsp;<wbr>whose&nbsp;activities&nbsp;had&nbsp;been&nbsp;reported&nbsp;<wbr>to&nbsp;a&nbsp;special&nbsp;email&nbsp;address,&nbsp;<wbr>though&nbsp;it&nbsp;did&nbsp;not&nbsp;say&nbsp;if&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>reports&nbsp;came&nbsp;from&nbsp;people&nbsp;in&nbsp;China&nbsp;or&nbsp;<wbr>Taiwan.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;Interior&nbsp;Minister&nbsp;Liu&nbsp;<wbr>Shyh-fang,&nbsp;whose&nbsp;name&nbsp;headed&nbsp;<wbr>the&nbsp;list,&nbsp;told&nbsp;reporters&nbsp;on&nbsp;Friday she&nbsp;had&nbsp;been&nbsp;busy&nbsp;this&nbsp;week and&nbsp;had&nbsp;not&nbsp;paid&nbsp;much&nbsp;<wbr>attention&nbsp;to&nbsp;it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;&#8220;I&nbsp;think&nbsp;our&nbsp;friends&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>Taiwan&nbsp;Affairs&nbsp;Office&nbsp;have&nbsp;<wbr>been&nbsp;very&nbsp;rude&nbsp;about&nbsp;our&nbsp;<wbr>officials,&#8221;&nbsp;she&nbsp;said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;China&nbsp;has&nbsp;previously&nbsp;<wbr>encouraged&nbsp;people&nbsp;to&nbsp;email&nbsp;<wbr>tip-offs&nbsp;about&nbsp;what&nbsp;it&nbsp;calls&nbsp;<wbr>Taiwan&nbsp;&#8220;separatist&#8221;&nbsp;activity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">______________________________<wbr \/>__________<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\">Reuters&nbsp;(English)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/world\/asia-pacific\/taiwan-dismisses-china-complaint-about-navy-ship-trawler-collision-2025-03-28\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?hl=ja&amp;q=https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/world\/asia-pacific\/taiwan-dismisses-china-complaint-about-navy-ship-trawler-collision-2025-03-28\/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1748517347043000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3U2UM6nja6y5bbGfslxOVE\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color:#337ab7\">https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/world\/<wbr>asia-pacific\/taiwan-dismisses-<wbr>china-complaint-about-navy-<wbr>ship-trawler-collision-2025-<wbr>03-28\/<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"border-top: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; background: #a5e9ff; padding: 3.75pt 13.5pt 3.75pt 13.5pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">3\/28<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: none; border-top: solid white 1.0pt; background: #eeeeee; padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<div>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;On&nbsp;March&nbsp;28,&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;Self-<wbr>Defense&nbsp;Force,&nbsp;in&nbsp;showing&nbsp;its&nbsp;<wbr>joint&nbsp;commitment&nbsp;to&nbsp;<wbr>strengthen&nbsp;regional&nbsp;and&nbsp;international&nbsp;<wbr>cooperation&nbsp;in&nbsp;support&nbsp;of&nbsp;a&nbsp;<\/span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">\u201c<span lang=\"EN-US\">f<wbr>ree&nbsp;and&nbsp;open&nbsp;Indo-Pacific,<\/span>\u201d<span lang=\"EN-US\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">conducted&nbsp;the&nbsp;joint&nbsp;exercise with&nbsp;the&nbsp;U.S.&nbsp;Navy&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>Philippine&nbsp;Navy&nbsp;as&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>Maritime&nbsp;Cooperative&nbsp;Activity&nbsp;by&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>three&nbsp;countries:&nbsp;Japan,&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>United&nbsp;States&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>Philippines.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;Maritime&nbsp;Cooperative&nbsp;<wbr>Activity&nbsp;is&nbsp;an&nbsp;activity&nbsp;to&nbsp;<wbr>support&nbsp;freedom&nbsp;of&nbsp;navigation&nbsp;<wbr>and&nbsp;freedom&nbsp;of&nbsp;overflight&nbsp;and&nbsp;to&nbsp;<wbr>respect&nbsp;the&nbsp;rights&nbsp;at&nbsp;sea&nbsp;<wbr>under&nbsp;international&nbsp;law&nbsp;as&nbsp;<wbr>reflected&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;UN&nbsp;Convention&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>Law&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;Sea&nbsp;(UNCLOS).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"display:none\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align:center;word-break:break-all\">\n<span lang=\"EN-US\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" width=\"231\" height=\"60\" style=\"width:2.4062in;height:.625in\" id=\"m_-4514945124640962081m_2599578529728716041m_3579518599418645092_x0000_i1593\" src=\"https:\/\/ci3.googleusercontent.com\/meips\/ADKq_NbM8TKIWG1v7kjNO_SvXMXclg_fiNf0GMgFybgkVN8-KV2sbXLj7aBNlcueytsp19qnHViq6npM9blpQ3AaOFemrb9Lzl_Ta6w-EPA3GHiz8QAgd62CiVlKIEN3PgrwX9JySPo=s0-d-e1-ft#https:\/\/gy53-cdn.asp.cuenote.jp\/0000013c\/202504\/000166ef\/000f-6ce63804a833.png\"><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"display:none\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">______________________________<wbr \/>__________<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\">Japan Joint Staff<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/js\/pdf\/2025\/p20250328_01.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?hl=ja&amp;q=https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/js\/pdf\/2025\/p20250328_01.pdf&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1748517347043000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0tRQqXFGSGHPzvwbOHB9jS\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color:#337ab7\">https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/js\/pdf\/<wbr>2025\/p20250328_01.pdf<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"border-top: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; background: #a5e9ff; padding: 3.75pt 13.5pt 3.75pt 13.5pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">3\/29<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: none; border-top: solid white 1.0pt; background: #eeeeee; padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<div>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;US&nbsp;Defense&nbsp;Secretary&nbsp;Pete&nbsp;<wbr>Hegseth&nbsp;said&nbsp;advanced&nbsp;<wbr>military&nbsp;capabilities&nbsp;will&nbsp;be&nbsp;<wbr>deployed&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;Philippines&nbsp;along&nbsp;with&nbsp;<wbr>joint&nbsp;training&nbsp;to&nbsp;increase&nbsp;<wbr>deterrence&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;Indo-<wbr>Pacific&nbsp;region.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;Hegseth&nbsp;met&nbsp;Philippine&nbsp;<wbr>Defense&nbsp;Secretary&nbsp;Gilberto&nbsp;<wbr>Teodoro&nbsp;in&nbsp;Manila&nbsp;on&nbsp;Friday.&nbsp;<wbr>Hegseth&nbsp;told&nbsp;reporters&nbsp;after&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>meeting&nbsp;that&nbsp;the&nbsp;Indo-Pacific&nbsp;<wbr>region&nbsp;faces&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;<wbr>aggression.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;He&nbsp;said&nbsp;the&nbsp;US&nbsp;will&nbsp;work&nbsp;with its allies&nbsp;and partners&nbsp;to&nbsp;&#8220;establish&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>deterrence&nbsp;necessary&nbsp;to&nbsp;prevent&nbsp;war.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;He&nbsp;announced&nbsp;that&nbsp;the&nbsp;US&nbsp;<wbr>will&nbsp;deploy&nbsp;the&nbsp;NMESIS&nbsp;anti-<wbr>ship&nbsp;missile&nbsp;system&nbsp;and&nbsp;unmanned surface&nbsp;vessels.&nbsp;He&nbsp;added&nbsp;<wbr>that&nbsp;these&nbsp;will&nbsp;be&nbsp;used&nbsp;in&nbsp;a&nbsp;<wbr>joint&nbsp;exercise&nbsp;scheduled&nbsp;for&nbsp;April.&nbsp;The&nbsp;NMESIS&nbsp;system&nbsp;uses&nbsp;<wbr>remotely&nbsp;operated&nbsp;vehicles&nbsp;to&nbsp;<wbr>launch&nbsp;anti-ship&nbsp;missiles&nbsp;<wbr>with&nbsp;a&nbsp;range&nbsp;of&nbsp;over&nbsp;180&nbsp;<wbr>kilometers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;Hegseth&nbsp;also&nbsp;announced&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>two&nbsp;countries&nbsp;will&nbsp;conduct&nbsp;<wbr>special-operations&nbsp;forces&nbsp;<wbr>training<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">in&nbsp;the&nbsp;Batanes&nbsp;Islands,&nbsp;near&nbsp;<wbr>Taiwan.&nbsp;He&nbsp;added&nbsp;they&nbsp;will&nbsp;<wbr>practice&nbsp;complex&nbsp;landing&nbsp;scenarios&nbsp;to&nbsp;enhance&nbsp;<wbr>interoperability&nbsp;between&nbsp;<wbr>their&nbsp;forces.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;Coinciding&nbsp;with&nbsp;his&nbsp;visit,&nbsp;<wbr>ships&nbsp;from&nbsp;Japan,&nbsp;the&nbsp;United&nbsp;<wbr>States&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;Philippines, including&nbsp;the Japanese&nbsp;frigate&nbsp;Noshiro,&nbsp;<wbr>carried&nbsp;out&nbsp;joint&nbsp;exercises&nbsp;<wbr>in&nbsp;the&nbsp;South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea&nbsp;on&nbsp;<wbr>Friday.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">______________________________<wbr \/>__________<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;Beijing&nbsp;is&nbsp;increasing&nbsp;<wbr>coercive&nbsp;activities&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>area.<br \/>\n<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\">NHK&nbsp;World&nbsp;(English)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/nhkworld\/en\/news\/20250329_04\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?hl=ja&amp;q=https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/nhkworld\/en\/news\/20250329_04\/index.html&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1748517347044000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3EZq6eg-6j4m7Et2mqmntC\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color:#337ab7\">https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/<wbr>nhkworld\/en\/news\/20250329_04\/<wbr>index.html<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"border-top: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; background: #a5e9ff; padding: 3.75pt 13.5pt 3.75pt 13.5pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">3\/30<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: none; border-top: solid white 1.0pt; background: #eeeeee; padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<div>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Press&nbsp;Release&nbsp;by&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;<wbr>Ministry&nbsp;of&nbsp;Defense<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;On&nbsp;March&nbsp;30,&nbsp;Defense&nbsp;<wbr>Minister&nbsp;Nakatani&nbsp;and&nbsp;Defense&nbsp;<wbr>Secretary&nbsp;Hegseth&nbsp;held&nbsp;<wbr>discussions&nbsp;from&nbsp;09:50&nbsp;for&nbsp;approximately&nbsp;<wbr>85&nbsp;minutes&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;Ministry&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr>Defense.&nbsp;The&nbsp;summary&nbsp;is&nbsp;as&nbsp;follows.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp;1&nbsp;Overview<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp;The&nbsp;Ministers&nbsp;shared&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n    views&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;increasingly&nbsp;<wbr>severe&nbsp;and&nbsp;complex&nbsp;security&nbsp;environment.&nbsp;The&nbsp;Ministers&nbsp;<wbr>confirmed&nbsp;that&nbsp;they&nbsp;will&nbsp;<wbr>demonstrate&nbsp;strong&nbsp;leadership&nbsp;<wbr>to&nbsp;reinforce&nbsp;defense&nbsp;<wbr>capabilities&nbsp;of&nbsp;their&nbsp;<wbr>respective&nbsp;countries&nbsp;and&nbsp;work&nbsp;<wbr>closely&nbsp;with&nbsp;each&nbsp;other&nbsp;to&nbsp;further&nbsp;strengthen&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>Alliance&nbsp;capabilities&nbsp;to&nbsp;<wbr>deter&nbsp;and&nbsp;respond&nbsp;in&nbsp;order&nbsp;to&nbsp;<wbr>realize&nbsp;a&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">\u201c<span lang=\"EN-US\">Free&nbsp;and&nbsp;Open&nbsp;Indo-Pacific<\/span>\u201d<span lang=\"EN-US\">&nbsp;<wbr>based&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;concurrence between&nbsp;the&nbsp;two&nbsp;leaders&nbsp;at&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Japan-U.S.&nbsp;summit&nbsp;meeting&nbsp;on&nbsp;<wbr>February&nbsp;7,&nbsp;2025. The&nbsp;Ministers&nbsp;underscored&nbsp;U.S.<wbr>&nbsp;unwavering&nbsp;commitment&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>defense&nbsp;of&nbsp;Japan,&nbsp;using&nbsp;its&nbsp;<wbr>full&nbsp;range&nbsp;of&nbsp;capabilities,&nbsp;including&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;<wbr>capabilities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp;2&nbsp;Regional&nbsp;Security&nbsp;<wbr>Environment<br \/>\n&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;Ministers&nbsp;exchanged&nbsp;<wbr>candid&nbsp;views&nbsp;on&nbsp;increasingly&nbsp;<wbr>severe&nbsp;security&nbsp;situation&nbsp;in&nbsp;<wbr>the&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;Especially,&nbsp;<wbr>with&nbsp;regard&nbsp;to&nbsp;China,&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>ministers&nbsp;confirmed&nbsp;their&nbsp;<wbr>opposition&nbsp;to&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">any&nbsp;unilateral&nbsp;attempts&nbsp;to&nbsp;<wbr>change&nbsp;the&nbsp;status&nbsp;quo&nbsp;by&nbsp;<wbr>force&nbsp;or&nbsp;coercion&nbsp;including&nbsp;<wbr>in&nbsp;the&nbsp;East&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">and&nbsp;South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Seas.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;Ministers&nbsp;took&nbsp;note&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr>activities&nbsp;by&nbsp;the&nbsp;People<\/span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">\u2019<span lang=\"EN-US\">s&nbsp;<wbr>Liberation&nbsp;Army&nbsp;(PLA)&nbsp;<wbr>including&nbsp;the&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">military&nbsp;situation&nbsp;around&nbsp;<wbr>Taiwan,&nbsp;and&nbsp;emphasized&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>importance&nbsp;of&nbsp;peace&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>stability&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">across&nbsp;the&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;Strait.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">3&nbsp;Further&nbsp;Strengthening&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>Alliance&nbsp;Capabilities&nbsp;to&nbsp;<wbr>Deter&nbsp;and&nbsp;Respond<br \/>\n&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;Ministers&nbsp;concurred&nbsp;to&nbsp;<wbr>promote&nbsp;various&nbsp;initiatives&nbsp;<wbr>to&nbsp;further&nbsp;strengthen&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>Alliance&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">capabilities&nbsp;to&nbsp;deter&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>respond,&nbsp;with&nbsp;a&nbsp;sense&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr>urgency&nbsp;and&nbsp;speed,&nbsp;in&nbsp;order&nbsp;<wbr>to&nbsp;respond&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">to&nbsp;challenges&nbsp;posed&nbsp;by&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>changing&nbsp;security&nbsp;environment.<wbr>&nbsp;The&nbsp;key&nbsp;points&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>discussion&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">are&nbsp;as&nbsp;follows:<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">(1)&nbsp;With&nbsp;regard&nbsp;to&nbsp;upgrading&nbsp;<wbr>respective&nbsp;command&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>control&nbsp;frameworks,&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>Ministers&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">welcomed&nbsp;tangible&nbsp;progress&nbsp;<wbr>including&nbsp;the&nbsp;establishment&nbsp;<wbr>of&nbsp;JSDF&nbsp;Joint&nbsp;Operations&nbsp;<wbr>Command&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">(JJOC)&nbsp;and&nbsp;commencement&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr>upgrade&nbsp;of&nbsp;U.S.&nbsp;Forces&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;<wbr>as&nbsp;Joint&nbsp;Force&nbsp;Headquarters,&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">and&nbsp;discussed&nbsp;to&nbsp;make&nbsp;<wbr>continued&nbsp;efforts&nbsp;to&nbsp;realize&nbsp;<wbr>further&nbsp;effective&nbsp;cooperation&nbsp;<wbr>on&nbsp;bilateral&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">activities&nbsp;from&nbsp;peacetime&nbsp;to&nbsp;<wbr>contingency.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">(2)&nbsp;To&nbsp;work&nbsp;on&nbsp;expansion&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr>bilateral&nbsp;joint&nbsp;presence&nbsp;in&nbsp;<wbr>the&nbsp;southwestern&nbsp;region&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr>Japan&nbsp;as&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">one&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;highest&nbsp;priorities&nbsp;<wbr>of&nbsp;the&nbsp;Alliance,&nbsp;including&nbsp;<wbr>enhancement&nbsp;of&nbsp;more&nbsp;advanced&nbsp;<wbr>and&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">practical&nbsp;bilateral&nbsp;training<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">(3)&nbsp;To&nbsp;mutually&nbsp;complement&nbsp;<wbr>and&nbsp;strengthen&nbsp;the&nbsp;defense&nbsp;<wbr>industrial&nbsp;base&nbsp;of&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>the&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">U.S.&nbsp;with&nbsp;regard&nbsp;to&nbsp;defense&nbsp;<wbr>equipment&nbsp;and&nbsp;technology&nbsp;<wbr>cooperation&nbsp;by&nbsp;accelerating&nbsp;<wbr>initiative&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">on&nbsp;missile&nbsp;co-production such&nbsp;as&nbsp;AMRAAM&nbsp;and&nbsp;co-<wbr>sustainment&nbsp;of&nbsp;vessels&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>aircraft&nbsp;of&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">U.S.&nbsp;forces&nbsp;towards&nbsp;the&nbsp;next&nbsp;<wbr>iteration&nbsp;of Defense&nbsp;Industrial&nbsp;<wbr>Cooperation,&nbsp;Acquisition,&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">and&nbsp;Sustainment&nbsp;(DICAS),&nbsp;<wbr>while&nbsp;effectively&nbsp;utilizing&nbsp;<wbr>its&nbsp;framework.<br \/>\n(4)&nbsp;To&nbsp;advance&nbsp;collaboration&nbsp;<wbr>in&nbsp;fields&nbsp;of&nbsp;space,&nbsp;cyber&nbsp;<wbr>security,&nbsp;and&nbsp;extended&nbsp;<wbr>deterrence.<br \/>\n&nbsp; &nbsp;In&nbsp;addition,&nbsp;the&nbsp;Ministers&nbsp;<wbr>concurred&nbsp;that&nbsp;they&nbsp;will&nbsp;<wbr>continue&nbsp;to&nbsp;advance&nbsp;<wbr>multilateral&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">cooperation&nbsp;including&nbsp;<wbr>information&nbsp;sharing&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>operational&nbsp;collaboration&nbsp;<wbr>with&nbsp;regional&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">partners&nbsp;namely&nbsp;Australia,&nbsp;<wbr>the&nbsp;Philippines&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>Republic&nbsp;of&nbsp;Korea,&nbsp;with&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;<wbr>and&nbsp;the&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">U.S.&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;center&nbsp;of&nbsp;such&nbsp;<wbr>cooperation,&nbsp;to&nbsp;realize&nbsp;a&nbsp;<\/span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">\u201c<span lang=\"EN-US\">Fre<wbr>e&nbsp;and&nbsp;Open&nbsp;Indo-Pacific<\/span>\u201d<span lang=\"EN-US\">.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">4&nbsp;Realignment&nbsp;of&nbsp;U.S.&nbsp;Forces&nbsp;<wbr>etc.<br \/>\n&nbsp; &nbsp;In&nbsp;order&nbsp;to&nbsp;maintain&nbsp;<wbr>deterrence&nbsp;and&nbsp;mitigate&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>impact&nbsp;on&nbsp;local&nbsp;communities,&nbsp;<wbr>the&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Ministers&nbsp;reiterated&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>vital&nbsp;importance&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>steady&nbsp;implementation&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>realignment<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">of&nbsp;U.S.&nbsp;forces&nbsp;in&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;in&nbsp;<wbr>accordance&nbsp;with&nbsp;the&nbsp;Okinawa&nbsp;<wbr>Consolidation&nbsp;Plan&nbsp;and&nbsp;other&nbsp;<wbr>existing&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">bilateral&nbsp;arrangements,&nbsp;such&nbsp;<wbr>as&nbsp;the&nbsp;return&nbsp;of&nbsp;Marine&nbsp;Corps&nbsp;<wbr>Air&nbsp;Station&nbsp;(MCAS)&nbsp;Futenma&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">including&nbsp;the&nbsp;construction&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr>the&nbsp;Futenma&nbsp;Replacement&nbsp;<wbr>Facility&nbsp;at&nbsp;Henoko&nbsp;as&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>only&nbsp;solution<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">that&nbsp;avoids&nbsp;the&nbsp;continued&nbsp;use&nbsp;<wbr>of&nbsp;MCAS&nbsp;Futenma.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<wbr>Ministers&nbsp;also&nbsp;concurred&nbsp;to&nbsp;<wbr>advance&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">cooperation&nbsp;to&nbsp;prevent&nbsp;<wbr>recurrence&nbsp;of&nbsp;incidents&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>accidents&nbsp;involving&nbsp;U.S.&nbsp;<wbr>forces&nbsp;in&nbsp;Japan.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">______________________________<wbr \/>__________<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\">Japan&nbsp;Ministry&nbsp;of&nbsp;Defense&nbsp;(<wbr>English)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/en\/article\/2025\/03\/f0da65072e4a45d3381312d5839223f5da22b398.html\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?hl=ja&amp;q=https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/en\/article\/2025\/03\/f0da65072e4a45d3381312d5839223f5da22b398.html&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1748517347044000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0qwU9yq1dtYfRnXhhiEQ2M\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color:#337ab7\">https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/en\/<wbr>article\/2025\/03\/<wbr>f0da65072e4a45d3381312d5839223<wbr>f5da22b398.html<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"border-top: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; background: #a5e9ff; padding: 3.75pt 13.5pt 3.75pt 13.5pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">3\/30<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: none; border-top: solid white 1.0pt; background: #eeeeee; padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<div>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;Former&nbsp;Australian&nbsp;Prime&nbsp;<wbr>Minister&nbsp;Morrison&nbsp;revealed&nbsp;<wbr>for&nbsp;the&nbsp;first&nbsp;time&nbsp;that&nbsp;his&nbsp;<wbr>country&#8217;s&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">decision&nbsp;to&nbsp;introduce&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;<wbr>submarines&nbsp;was&nbsp;made&nbsp;with&nbsp;a&nbsp;<wbr>view&nbsp;to&nbsp;dispatching&nbsp;them&nbsp;to&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Taiwan&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;waters&nbsp;around&nbsp;<wbr>the&nbsp;Senkaku&nbsp;Islands&nbsp;in&nbsp;<wbr>Okinawa&nbsp;Prefecture&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>event&nbsp;of&nbsp;an&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">emergency.&nbsp;He&nbsp;argued&nbsp;that&nbsp;<wbr>Australia&#8217;s&nbsp;possession&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr>nuclear&nbsp;submarines&nbsp;would&nbsp;also&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">contribute&nbsp;to&nbsp;Japan&#8217;s&nbsp;<wbr>security&nbsp;and&nbsp;serve&nbsp;as&nbsp;a&nbsp;<\/span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">\u2018<span lang=\"EN-US\">deter<wbr>rent<\/span>\u2019<span lang=\"EN-US\">&nbsp;against&nbsp;China.&nbsp;In&nbsp;an&nbsp;<wbr>interview&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">with&nbsp;Kyodo&nbsp;News&nbsp;in&nbsp;Sydney,&nbsp;Mr.<wbr>&nbsp;Morrison&nbsp;said&nbsp;he&nbsp;wanted&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>submarines,&nbsp;which&nbsp;have<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">by&nbsp;far&nbsp;the&nbsp;greatest&nbsp;range,&nbsp;in&nbsp;<wbr>order&nbsp;to&nbsp;put&nbsp;pressure&nbsp;on&nbsp;<wbr>China.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;During&nbsp;his&nbsp;tenure as&nbsp;Prime&nbsp;Minister,&nbsp;Mr.&nbsp;<wbr>Morrison&nbsp;negotiated&nbsp;in&nbsp;secret&nbsp;<wbr>with&nbsp;US&nbsp;and&nbsp;UK<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">leaders,&nbsp;electrifyingly announcing&nbsp;the&nbsp;creation&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr>the&nbsp;US-UK-Australia&nbsp;security&nbsp;<wbr>framework&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">AUKUS in&nbsp;September&nbsp;2021,&nbsp;which&nbsp;<wbr>would&nbsp;introduce&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;<wbr>submarines&nbsp;to&nbsp;non-nuclear&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Australia,&nbsp;and&nbsp;unilaterally&nbsp;<wbr>scrapping a&nbsp;joint&nbsp;development&nbsp;plan&nbsp;with&nbsp;<wbr>France&nbsp;for&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">conventional&nbsp;submarines.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;In&nbsp;an&nbsp;interview&nbsp;on&nbsp;27,&nbsp;<wbr>Morrison&nbsp;pointed&nbsp;out&nbsp;that&nbsp;<wbr>Taiwan&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;Senkakus&nbsp;are&nbsp;<\/span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">\u201c<span lang=\"EN-US\">p<wbr>otential&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">sparks&nbsp;and&nbsp;possible&nbsp;conflicts<\/span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">\u201d<span lang=\"EN-US\"><wbr>.&nbsp;<\/span>\u201c<span lang=\"EN-US\">We&nbsp;pursued&nbsp;the&nbsp;ability&nbsp;to&nbsp;<wbr>sail&nbsp;anywhere,&nbsp;including&nbsp;<wbr>those&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">areas,&nbsp;if&nbsp;necessary<\/span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">\u201d<span lang=\"EN-US\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;Mr&nbsp;Morrison&nbsp;stressed&nbsp;that&nbsp;<wbr>Australia&#8217;s&nbsp;involvement&nbsp;in&nbsp;<wbr>the&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;contingency&nbsp;was&nbsp;<\/span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">\u201c<span lang=\"EN-US\">in<wbr>&nbsp;the&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">national&nbsp;interest<\/span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">\u201d<span lang=\"EN-US\">.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">______________________________<wbr \/>__________<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\">Kyodo&nbsp;News&nbsp;(Japanese)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/news.yahoo.co.jp\/articles\/ff4b1c159ef0294505c5be6c2bead17d1abe3d5c\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?hl=ja&amp;q=https:\/\/news.yahoo.co.jp\/articles\/ff4b1c159ef0294505c5be6c2bead17d1abe3d5c&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1748517347045000&amp;usg=AOvVaw07qcfDw7kfHsGms5Z6rRrE\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color:#337ab7\">https:\/\/news.yahoo.co.jp\/<wbr>articles\/<wbr>ff4b1c159ef0294505c5be6c2bead1<wbr>7d1abe3d5c<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"border-top: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; background: #a5e9ff; padding: 3.75pt 13.5pt 3.75pt 13.5pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">3\/31<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: none; border-top: solid white 1.0pt; background: #eeeeee; padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<div>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;A&nbsp;major&nbsp;US&nbsp;newspaper&nbsp;says&nbsp;a&nbsp;<wbr>secret&nbsp;internal&nbsp;guidance&nbsp;memo&nbsp;<wbr>that&nbsp;sets&nbsp;out&nbsp;a&nbsp;<wbr>prioritization&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">framework&nbsp;for&nbsp;senior&nbsp;Pentagon&nbsp;<wbr>officials&nbsp;includes&nbsp;a&nbsp;plan&nbsp;to&nbsp;<wbr>pressure&nbsp;allies&nbsp;to&nbsp;increase&nbsp;<wbr>their&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">defense&nbsp;expenditures.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<wbr>document&nbsp;also&nbsp;states&nbsp;that&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>US&nbsp;military&nbsp;will&nbsp;be&nbsp;<wbr>reoriented,&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">so&nbsp;that&nbsp;preventing&nbsp;China&nbsp;from&nbsp;<wbr>seizing&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;can&nbsp;be&nbsp;<wbr>prioritized.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;An&nbsp;article&nbsp;published&nbsp;by&nbsp;The&nbsp;<wbr>Washington&nbsp;Post&nbsp;on&nbsp;Saturday&nbsp;<wbr>contains&nbsp;details&nbsp;about&nbsp;the&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">document,&nbsp;which&nbsp;is&nbsp;known&nbsp;as&nbsp;<wbr>the&nbsp;Interim&nbsp;National&nbsp;Defense&nbsp;<wbr>Strategic&nbsp;Guidance.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<wbr>article&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">says&nbsp;the&nbsp;document&nbsp;was&nbsp;<wbr>distributed&nbsp;throughout&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>Defense&nbsp;Department&nbsp;in&nbsp;mid-<wbr>March&nbsp;and&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">signed&nbsp;by&nbsp;Defense&nbsp;Secretary&nbsp;<wbr>Pete&nbsp;Hegseth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;In&nbsp;the&nbsp;memo,&nbsp;Hegseth&nbsp;<wbr>reportedly&nbsp;wrote,&nbsp;&#8220;China&nbsp;is&nbsp;<wbr>the&nbsp;Department&#8217;s&nbsp;sole&nbsp;pacing&nbsp;<wbr>threat,&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">and&nbsp;denial&nbsp;of&nbsp;a&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;fait&nbsp;<wbr>accompli&nbsp;seizure&nbsp;of&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;&#8212;&nbsp;<wbr>while&nbsp;simultaneously&nbsp;<wbr>defending&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">the&nbsp;US&nbsp;homeland is&nbsp;the&nbsp;Department&#8217;s&nbsp;sole&nbsp;<wbr>pacing&nbsp;scenario.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;document&nbsp;also&nbsp;reportedly&nbsp;<wbr>notes&nbsp;that&nbsp;the&nbsp;Pentagon&nbsp;will&nbsp;<wbr>only&nbsp;consider&nbsp;conflict&nbsp;with&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Beijing&nbsp;when&nbsp;planning&nbsp;<wbr>contingencies&nbsp;for&nbsp;a&nbsp;major&nbsp;<wbr>power&nbsp;war.&nbsp;The&nbsp;Pentagon&nbsp;will&nbsp;<wbr>apparently&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">leave&nbsp;the&nbsp;threat&nbsp;from&nbsp;Moscow&nbsp;<wbr>to&nbsp;the&nbsp;European&nbsp;allies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;article&nbsp;says&nbsp;that&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>Pentagon&nbsp;will&nbsp;&#8220;pressure&nbsp;<wbr>allies&nbsp;in&nbsp;Europe,&nbsp;the&nbsp;Middle&nbsp;<wbr>East&nbsp;and&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">East&nbsp;Asia&nbsp;to&nbsp;spend&nbsp;more&nbsp;on&nbsp;<wbr>defense&nbsp;to&nbsp;take&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;bulk&nbsp;<wbr>of&nbsp;the&nbsp;deterrence&nbsp;role&nbsp;<wbr>against&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">threats&nbsp;from&nbsp;Russia,&nbsp;North&nbsp;<wbr>Korea&nbsp;and&nbsp;Iran.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;administration&nbsp;of&nbsp;US&nbsp;<wbr>President&nbsp;Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;has&nbsp;<wbr>said&nbsp;that&nbsp;European&nbsp;countries&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">should&nbsp;play&nbsp;a&nbsp;greater&nbsp;role&nbsp;in&nbsp;<wbr>dealing&nbsp;with&nbsp;the&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;<wbr>situation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;administration&nbsp;<wbr>also&nbsp;has&nbsp;a&nbsp;vision&nbsp;for&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>Indo-Pacific&nbsp;region.&nbsp;It&nbsp;wants&nbsp;<wbr>Taiwan&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">to&nbsp;sharply increase its&nbsp;defense&nbsp;outlays.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<wbr>administration&nbsp;also&nbsp;wants&nbsp;to&nbsp;<wbr>work&nbsp;with&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">and&nbsp;other&nbsp;allies&nbsp;to&nbsp;enhance&nbsp;<wbr>deterrence&nbsp;against&nbsp;China.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">______________________________<wbr \/>__________<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\">NHK&nbsp;World&nbsp;(English)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/nhkworld\/en\/news\/20250331_02\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?hl=ja&amp;q=https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/nhkworld\/en\/news\/20250331_02\/index.html&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1748517347045000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3HL60wiWIJ5jNrds52yqdG\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color:#337ab7\">https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/<wbr>nhkworld\/en\/news\/20250331_02\/<wbr>index.html<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"border-top: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; background: #a5e9ff; padding: 3.75pt 13.5pt 3.75pt 13.5pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">3\/31<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: none; border-top: solid white 1.0pt; background: #eeeeee; padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<div>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;On&nbsp;March&nbsp;31,&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;Maritime&nbsp;<wbr>Self-Defense&nbsp;Force&nbsp;(JMSDF)&nbsp;<wbr>has&nbsp;confirmed&nbsp;one&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Luyang III class&nbsp;destroyer&nbsp;(hull&nbsp;number&nbsp;<wbr>123)&nbsp;and&nbsp;one&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;Jangkai&nbsp;<wbr>II&nbsp;class&nbsp;frigate&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">(hull&nbsp;number&nbsp;576)&nbsp;sailing&nbsp;<wbr>south&nbsp;in&nbsp;thewaters&nbsp;100km&nbsp;<wbr>northeast&nbsp;of&nbsp;Miyakojima&nbsp;<wbr>Island&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">(Okinawa&nbsp;Prefecture).&nbsp;Then&nbsp;<wbr>JMSDF&nbsp;has&nbsp;confirmed&nbsp;these&nbsp;<wbr>vessels&nbsp;sailing&nbsp;south&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>waters&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">between&nbsp;the&nbsp;main&nbsp;island&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr>Okinawa&nbsp;and&nbsp;Miyakojima&nbsp;Island&nbsp;<wbr>to&nbsp;the&nbsp;Pacific&nbsp;Ocean.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;At&nbsp;a&nbsp;later&nbsp;time&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;same&nbsp;<wbr>day,&nbsp;JMSDF&nbsp;has&nbsp;also&nbsp;confirmed&nbsp;<wbr>one&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;Dongdiao&nbsp;class&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Intelligence&nbsp;ship&nbsp;(hull&nbsp;<wbr>number&nbsp;796)&nbsp;sailing&nbsp;southeast&nbsp;<wbr>in&nbsp;the&nbsp;waters&nbsp;130km&nbsp;northeast&nbsp;<wbr>of&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Miyakojima&nbsp;Island&nbsp;(Okinawa&nbsp;<wbr>Prefecture).&nbsp;Then&nbsp;JMSDF&nbsp;has&nbsp;<wbr>confirmed&nbsp;this&nbsp;vessel&nbsp;sailing&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">southeast&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;waters&nbsp;<wbr>between&nbsp;the&nbsp;main&nbsp;islandof&nbsp;<wbr>Okinawa&nbsp;and&nbsp;Miyakojima&nbsp;Island&nbsp;<wbr>to&nbsp;the&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Pacific&nbsp;Ocean.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"display:none\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align:center;word-break:break-all\">\n<span lang=\"EN-US\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" width=\"250\" height=\"84\" style=\"width:2.6041in;height:.875in\" id=\"m_-4514945124640962081m_2599578529728716041m_3579518599418645092_x0000_i1512\" src=\"https:\/\/ci3.googleusercontent.com\/meips\/ADKq_NZdPJOFi2MTRrQ8hiJryP17yxYJ4orhpK9kcY2ulqqL9SumZQPuik16By7_xN7Jb1N_QUfryeAMULdS7RBL3865xjpjd1a_E2jHJNxSI9r2GmxocXs77mA59LTl21i25B7_bnU=s0-d-e1-ft#https:\/\/gy53-cdn.asp.cuenote.jp\/0000013c\/202504\/000166ef\/0010-c9a3b55b2b97.png\"><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"display:none\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">______________________________<wbr \/>__________<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\">Japan Joint Staff<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/js\/pdf\/2025\/p20250331_02.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?hl=ja&amp;q=https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/js\/pdf\/2025\/p20250331_02.pdf&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1748517347046000&amp;usg=AOvVaw25erCOQOBZHdigHf92_hhE\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color:#337ab7\">https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/js\/pdf\/<wbr>2025\/p20250331_02.pdf<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"border-top: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; background: #a5e9ff; padding: 3.75pt 13.5pt 3.75pt 13.5pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">4\/1<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: none; border-top: solid white 1.0pt; background: #eeeeee; padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<div>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Introduction&nbsp;to&nbsp;relevant&nbsp;<wbr>papers<br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">\u201c<span lang=\"EN-US\">Why&nbsp;the&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;Coast&nbsp;Guard&nbsp;<wbr>Needs&nbsp;a&nbsp;Large,&nbsp;Multipurpose&nbsp;<wbr>Patrol&nbsp;Vessel<\/span>\u201d<span lang=\"EN-US\"><br \/>\nBy&nbsp;Kentaro&nbsp;Furuya<br \/>\nAdjunct&nbsp;Professor,&nbsp;National&nbsp;<wbr>Graduate&nbsp;Institute&nbsp;for&nbsp;Policy&nbsp;<wbr>Studies&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">______________________________<wbr \/>__________<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Professor,&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;Coast&nbsp;Guard&nbsp;<wbr>Academy<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\">&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.spf.org\/iina\/en\/articles\/furuya_05.html\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?hl=ja&amp;q=https:\/\/www.spf.org\/iina\/en\/articles\/furuya_05.html&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1748517347046000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3AbF80huC8u0lab-lGZf6s\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color:#337ab7\">https:\/\/www.spf.org\/iina\/en\/<wbr>articles\/furuya_05.html<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"border-top: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; background: #a5e9ff; padding: 3.75pt 13.5pt 3.75pt 13.5pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">4\/1<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: none; border-top: solid white 1.0pt; background: #eeeeee; padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<div>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;China&#8217;s&nbsp;military&nbsp;has&nbsp;<wbr>conducted&nbsp;exercises&nbsp;around&nbsp;<wbr>Taiwan&nbsp;in&nbsp;an&nbsp;apparent&nbsp;move&nbsp;to&nbsp;<wbr>maintain&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">pressure&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>administration&nbsp;of&nbsp;Taiwanese&nbsp;<wbr>President&nbsp;Lai&nbsp;Ching-te.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;military&#8217;s&nbsp;Eastern&nbsp;<wbr>Theater&nbsp;Command&nbsp;announced&nbsp;<wbr>that&nbsp;its&nbsp;army,&nbsp;navy,&nbsp;air&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>rocket&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">forces&nbsp;carried out&nbsp;joint&nbsp;drills&nbsp;on&nbsp;Tuesday.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;command&nbsp;said&nbsp;a&nbsp;formation&nbsp;<wbr>of&nbsp;vessels&nbsp;and&nbsp;planes,&nbsp;as&nbsp;<wbr>well&nbsp;as&nbsp;a&nbsp;missile&nbsp;unit,&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">conducted&nbsp;the&nbsp;drills&nbsp;in&nbsp;<wbr>waters&nbsp;off&nbsp;the&nbsp;north,&nbsp;south&nbsp;<wbr>and&nbsp;east&nbsp;of&nbsp;Taiwan.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;exercises&nbsp;reportedly&nbsp;<wbr>included&nbsp;intercepting&nbsp;targets&nbsp;<wbr>midair,&nbsp;attacking&nbsp;ground&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>sea&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">targets,&nbsp;as&nbsp;well&nbsp;as&nbsp;a&nbsp;naval&nbsp;<wbr>blockade.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;command&nbsp;said&nbsp;the&nbsp;drills&nbsp;<wbr>serve&nbsp;as&nbsp;a&nbsp;stern&nbsp;warning&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>forceful&nbsp;deterrent&nbsp;against&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&#8220;Taiwan&nbsp;independence&#8221;&nbsp;<wbr>separatist&nbsp;forces.&nbsp;It&nbsp;also&nbsp;<wbr>said&nbsp;the&nbsp;exercises&nbsp;were&nbsp;a&nbsp;<wbr>legitimate&nbsp;and&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">necessary&nbsp;action&nbsp;to&nbsp;safeguard&nbsp;<wbr>China&#8217;s&nbsp;sovereignty.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;Coast&nbsp;Guard&nbsp;vessels&nbsp;<wbr>also&nbsp;reportedly&nbsp;patrolled&nbsp;<wbr>around&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;in&nbsp;formation&nbsp;to&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">practice&nbsp;inspection&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>seizure&nbsp;procedures.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;Taiwan&#8217;s&nbsp;defense&nbsp;ministry&nbsp;<wbr>said&nbsp;that&nbsp;it&nbsp;had&nbsp;detected&nbsp;a&nbsp;<wbr>Chinese&nbsp;naval&nbsp;fleet,&nbsp;<wbr>including&nbsp;the&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">aircraft&nbsp;carrier&nbsp;Shandong,&nbsp;<wbr>operating&nbsp;in&nbsp;Taiwan&#8217;s&nbsp;<wbr>vicinity.&nbsp;The&nbsp;ministry&nbsp;said&nbsp;<wbr>China&nbsp;continues&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">to&nbsp;expand&nbsp;its&nbsp;military&nbsp;<wbr>activities&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;<wbr>Strait&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;Indo-Pacific&nbsp;<wbr>region,&nbsp;undermining&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">regional&nbsp;security&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>stability.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;Last&nbsp;month,&nbsp;Taiwan&#8217;s&nbsp;<wbr>President&nbsp;Lai&nbsp;described&nbsp;China&nbsp;<wbr>as&nbsp;a&nbsp;&#8220;hostile&nbsp;external&nbsp;force.&#8221;<wbr>&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">China,&nbsp;which&nbsp;regards&nbsp;him as&nbsp;a&nbsp;pro-independence&nbsp;leader,&nbsp;<wbr>sharply&nbsp;reacted&nbsp;and&nbsp;announced<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">in&nbsp;the&nbsp;same&nbsp;month&nbsp;that&nbsp;its&nbsp;<wbr>military&nbsp;had&nbsp;conducted&nbsp;drills&nbsp;<wbr>around&nbsp;Taiwan.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;With&nbsp;such&nbsp;acts,&nbsp;China&nbsp;<wbr>apparently&nbsp;has&nbsp;been&nbsp;<wbr>normalizing&nbsp;military&nbsp;pressure&nbsp;<wbr>on&nbsp;Taiwan&#8217;s&nbsp;Lai&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">administration.<br \/>\n&nbsp; &nbsp;Japan&#8217;s&nbsp;Chief&nbsp;Cabinet&nbsp;<wbr>Secretary&nbsp;Hayashi&nbsp;Yoshimasa&nbsp;<wbr>said&nbsp;on&nbsp;Tuesday&nbsp;that&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>country&nbsp;is&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">keeping&nbsp;a&nbsp;close&nbsp;watch&nbsp;on&nbsp;how&nbsp;<wbr>the&nbsp;situation&nbsp;develops&nbsp;with&nbsp;<wbr>grave&nbsp;interest,&nbsp;and&nbsp;that&nbsp;it&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">conveyed&nbsp;its&nbsp;concerns&nbsp;to&nbsp;<wbr>China. The&nbsp;top government&nbsp;spokesperson&nbsp;said&nbsp;<wbr>peace&nbsp;and&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">stability&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;<wbr>Strait&nbsp;is&nbsp;essential&nbsp;for&nbsp;<wbr>members of&nbsp;the&nbsp;international&nbsp;<wbr>community,&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">including&nbsp;Japan.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;Hayashi&nbsp;added&nbsp;that&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;is&nbsp;<wbr>taking&nbsp;every&nbsp;possible&nbsp;<wbr>precaution&nbsp;in&nbsp;monitoring&nbsp;<wbr>China&#8217;s&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">activities&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;air&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>waters&nbsp;around&nbsp;Japan.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">______________________________<wbr \/>__________<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\">NHK&nbsp;World&nbsp;(English)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/nhkworld\/en\/news\/20250401_16\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?hl=ja&amp;q=https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/nhkworld\/en\/news\/20250401_16\/index.html&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1748517347047000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0zf5fZzFkgvz9s8tIhICWw\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color:#337ab7\">https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/<wbr>nhkworld\/en\/news\/20250401_16\/<wbr>index.html<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"border-top: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; background: #a5e9ff; padding: 3.75pt 13.5pt 3.75pt 13.5pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">4\/1<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: none; border-top: solid white 1.0pt; background: #eeeeee; padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<div>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;JMSDF&nbsp;has&nbsp;confirmed&nbsp;four&nbsp;<wbr>Chinese&nbsp;naval&nbsp;vessels&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>waters&nbsp;440&nbsp;km&nbsp;south&nbsp;of&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Yonagunijima&nbsp;Island&nbsp;on&nbsp;April&nbsp;<wbr>1.&nbsp;This&nbsp;squadron&nbsp;consisted&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr>one&nbsp;Admiral&nbsp;Kuznetsov&nbsp;class&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">aircraft&nbsp;carrier Shandong&nbsp;(hull&nbsp;number&nbsp;17),&nbsp;<wbr>one&nbsp;Renhai&nbsp;class&nbsp;destroyer&nbsp;(<wbr>hull&nbsp;number&nbsp;108),&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">one&nbsp;Luyang&nbsp;III&nbsp;class&nbsp;<wbr>destroyer&nbsp;(hull&nbsp;number&nbsp;165)&nbsp;<wbr>and&nbsp;one&nbsp;Jangkai&nbsp;II&nbsp;class&nbsp;<wbr>frigate&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">(hull&nbsp;number&nbsp;572).&nbsp;The&nbsp;<wbr>Shandong&nbsp;(hull&nbsp;number&nbsp;17)&nbsp;had&nbsp;<wbr>conducted&nbsp;take-off&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>landing&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">exercises.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"display:none\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align:center;word-break:break-all\">\n<span lang=\"EN-US\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" width=\"300\" height=\"85\" style=\"width:3.125in;height:.8854in\" id=\"m_-4514945124640962081m_2599578529728716041m_3579518599418645092_x0000_i1463\" src=\"https:\/\/ci3.googleusercontent.com\/meips\/ADKq_NaTd54420EQvWMbs0qiq4hkZlVufalBgiN-qmkZfksjU6TLG7eE6VpPygrnpwOwORVvePF60MiRWkmxEBR-Dk6b3wUexBCwvSzjsKUFTH0uadwlblYpEXyQSloncHfJRB1kWwM=s0-d-e1-ft#https:\/\/gy53-cdn.asp.cuenote.jp\/0000013c\/202504\/000166ef\/0011-d87134d152f3.png\"><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"display:none\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align:center;word-break:break-all\">\n<span lang=\"EN-US\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" width=\"100\" height=\"117\" style=\"width:1.0416in;height:1.2187in\" id=\"m_-4514945124640962081m_2599578529728716041m_3579518599418645092_x0000_i1462\" src=\"https:\/\/ci3.googleusercontent.com\/meips\/ADKq_Na4D2u7IAcDMV1iFCYkJHW_caUVeuGlOm_6njGK-r1Yqs64Jrf3L8ZGCQH2bHiS26BMPIGa6Ym85UUrvotMdaEEEUlLScx78-dG7Qj543RiyLat4oLuEE-IZkG1hGkrDwKA9bc=s0-d-e1-ft#https:\/\/gy53-cdn.asp.cuenote.jp\/0000013c\/202504\/000166ef\/0012-8ccb6958b39c.png\"><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"display:none\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">______________________________<wbr \/>__________<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\">Japan Joint Staff<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/js\/pdf\/2025\/p20250401_01.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?hl=ja&amp;q=https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/js\/pdf\/2025\/p20250401_01.pdf&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1748517347047000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2Q61gpXmAZ0CS3jCtL0YzE\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color:#337ab7\">https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/js\/pdf\/<wbr>2025\/p20250401_01.pdf<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"border-top: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; background: #a5e9ff; padding: 3.75pt 13.5pt 3.75pt 13.5pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">4\/2<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: none; border-top: solid white 1.0pt; background: #eeeeee; padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<div>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;China&#8217;s&nbsp;military&nbsp;held&nbsp;<wbr>exercises&nbsp;around&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;for&nbsp;a&nbsp;<wbr>second&nbsp;day,&nbsp;apparently&nbsp;aiming&nbsp;<wbr>to&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">ramp&nbsp;up&nbsp;the&nbsp;pressure&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>administration&nbsp;of&nbsp;Taiwanese&nbsp;<wbr>President&nbsp;Lai&nbsp;Ching-te.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;military&#8217;s&nbsp;Eastern&nbsp;<wbr>Theater&nbsp;Command&nbsp;announced&nbsp;it&nbsp;<wbr>carried&nbsp;out&nbsp;drills&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>middle&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">and&nbsp;southern&nbsp;areas&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>Taiwan&nbsp;Strait&nbsp;on&nbsp;Wednesday.&nbsp;<wbr>The&nbsp;announcement&nbsp;said&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>drills&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">were&nbsp;aimed&nbsp;at&nbsp;verifying&nbsp;<wbr>capabilities&nbsp;for&nbsp;a&nbsp;sea&nbsp;<wbr>blockade&nbsp;and&nbsp;precision&nbsp;<wbr>strikes&nbsp;on&nbsp;key&nbsp;targets.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">It&nbsp;also&nbsp;said&nbsp;the&nbsp;theater&nbsp;<wbr>command&nbsp;conducted&nbsp;long-range&nbsp;<wbr>live-fire&nbsp;drills&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;East&nbsp;<wbr>China&nbsp;Sea.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;Taiwan&#8217;s&nbsp;defense&nbsp;ministry&nbsp;<wbr>said&nbsp;76&nbsp;sorties&nbsp;of&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;<wbr>aircraft,&nbsp;15&nbsp;navy&nbsp;ships&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>four&nbsp;other&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">ships&nbsp;were&nbsp;spotted&nbsp;around&nbsp;<wbr>Taiwan&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;24&nbsp;hours&nbsp;up&nbsp;to&nbsp;<wbr>6&nbsp;a.m.&nbsp;on&nbsp;Wednesday.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<wbr>ministry&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">said&nbsp;military&nbsp;aircraft&nbsp;<wbr>entered&nbsp;Taiwan&#8217;s&nbsp;air&nbsp;defense&nbsp;<wbr>identification&nbsp;zone&nbsp;in&nbsp;its&nbsp;<wbr>north,&nbsp;east&nbsp;and&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">elsewhere.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;China&#8217;s&nbsp;military&nbsp;calls&nbsp;<wbr>Wednesday&#8217;s&nbsp;operation&nbsp;&#8220;Strait&nbsp;<wbr>Thunder-2025A.&#8221;<br \/>\n&nbsp; &nbsp;China&nbsp;conducted&nbsp;large-scale&nbsp;<wbr>military&nbsp;drills&nbsp;in&nbsp;May&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>October&nbsp;last&nbsp;year,&nbsp;<wbr>respectively&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">called&nbsp;&#8220;Joint&nbsp;Sword-2024A&#8221;&nbsp;<wbr>and&nbsp;&#8220;Joint&nbsp;Sword-2024B.&#8221;&nbsp;This&nbsp;<wbr>suggests&nbsp;the&nbsp;country&nbsp;will&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">continue carrying&nbsp;out similar&nbsp;exercises.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;military&nbsp;posted&nbsp;<wbr>pictures&nbsp;and&nbsp;videos&nbsp;deemed&nbsp;<wbr>hostile&nbsp;toward&nbsp;Lai&nbsp;during&nbsp;the&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">drills.&nbsp;China&nbsp;regards&nbsp;Taiwan&#8217;<wbr>s&nbsp;president&nbsp;as&nbsp;a&nbsp;pro-<wbr>independence&nbsp;leader.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;US&nbsp;State&nbsp;Department&nbsp;<wbr>issued&nbsp;a&nbsp;statement&nbsp;saying:&nbsp;&#8220;<wbr>Once&nbsp;again,&nbsp;China&#8217;s&nbsp;<wbr>aggressive&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">military&nbsp;activities&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>rhetoric&nbsp;toward&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;only&nbsp;<wbr>serve&nbsp;to&nbsp;exacerbate&nbsp;tensions&nbsp;<wbr>and&nbsp;put&nbsp;the&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">region&#8217;s&nbsp;security&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>world&#8217;sprosperity&nbsp;at&nbsp;risk.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">It&nbsp;added,&nbsp;&#8220;The&nbsp;United&nbsp;States&nbsp;<wbr>supports&nbsp;peace&nbsp;and&nbsp;stability&nbsp;<wbr>across&nbsp;the&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;Strait&nbsp;and&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">opposes&nbsp;unilateral&nbsp;changes&nbsp;to&nbsp;<wbr>the&nbsp;status&nbsp;quo,&nbsp;including&nbsp;<wbr>through&nbsp;force&nbsp;or&nbsp;coercion.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">______________________________<wbr \/>__________<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\">NHK&nbsp;World&nbsp;(English)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/nhkworld\/en\/news\/20250402_13\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?hl=ja&amp;q=https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/nhkworld\/en\/news\/20250402_13\/index.html&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1748517347048000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3xchhxUBLybPns-k4Q55LX\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color:#337ab7\">https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/<wbr>nhkworld\/en\/news\/20250402_13\/<wbr>index.html<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"border-top: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; background: #a5e9ff; padding: 3.75pt 13.5pt 3.75pt 13.5pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">4\/2<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: none; border-top: solid white 1.0pt; background: #eeeeee; padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<div>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;military&nbsp;has&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n            released&nbsp;a&nbsp;video&nbsp;showing&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n            launch&nbsp;of&nbsp;rockets&nbsp;possibly&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n            capable&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">of&nbsp;targeting&nbsp;Taiwan.&nbsp;It&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n              carried&nbsp;out&nbsp;drills&nbsp;around&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n              Taiwan&nbsp;on&nbsp;Wednesday&nbsp;for&nbsp;a&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n              second&nbsp;day.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;military&nbsp;said&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n              the&nbsp;drills,&nbsp;dubbed&nbsp;&#8220;Strait&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n              Thunder&nbsp;2025A,&#8221;&nbsp;were&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n              conducted&nbsp;in&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">central&nbsp;and&nbsp;southern&nbsp;parts&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n              the&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;Strait.&nbsp;It&nbsp;said&nbsp;it&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n              was&nbsp;testing&nbsp;its&nbsp;naval&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n              blockade&nbsp;and&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">precision&nbsp;strike&nbsp;capabilities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;military&nbsp;also&nbsp;released&nbsp;a&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n              video&nbsp;of&nbsp;what&nbsp;it&nbsp;said&nbsp;were&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n              long-range&nbsp;live-fire&nbsp;drills&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n              in&nbsp;the&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">East&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea.<br \/>\n              &nbsp; &nbsp;Some&nbsp;Taiwanese&nbsp;media&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n              reported&nbsp;that&nbsp;the&nbsp;footage&nbsp;may&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n              have&nbsp;shown&nbsp;a&nbsp;multiple&nbsp;rocket&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">launcher&nbsp;capable&nbsp;of&nbsp;reaching&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n              Taiwan&#8217;s&nbsp;main&nbsp;island.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;military&nbsp;said&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n              its&nbsp;Shandong&nbsp;aircraft&nbsp;carrier&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n              has&nbsp;been&nbsp;deployed&nbsp;to&nbsp;waters&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n              off&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Taiwan&#8217;s&nbsp;east&nbsp;coast.&nbsp;It&nbsp;said&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n              the&nbsp;naval&nbsp;and&nbsp;air&nbsp;forces&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n              confirmed&nbsp;a&nbsp;joint&nbsp;naval&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n              blockade&nbsp;and&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">cooperation&nbsp;across&nbsp;the&nbsp;&#8220;<wbr><br \/>\n              island&nbsp;chain.&#8221;&nbsp;China&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n              considers&nbsp;this&nbsp;a&nbsp;defensive&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n              line&nbsp;against&nbsp;the&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">United&nbsp;States.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;Taiwan&#8217;s&nbsp;defense&nbsp;ministry&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n              confirmed&nbsp;as&nbsp;of&nbsp;Wednesday&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n              afternoon&nbsp;it&nbsp;had&nbsp;spotted&nbsp;31&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">vessels,&nbsp;including&nbsp;those&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n              the&nbsp;Shandong&nbsp;group&nbsp;and&nbsp;China&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n              Coast&nbsp;Guard,&nbsp;as&nbsp;well&nbsp;as&nbsp;27&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">fighters,&nbsp;drones&nbsp;and&nbsp;other&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n              Chinese&nbsp;aircraft,&nbsp;around&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n              Taiwan.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">China&#8217;s&nbsp;state-run&nbsp;media&nbsp;said&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n              Wednesday&#8217;s&nbsp;drills&nbsp;mark&nbsp;a&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n              change&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;previous&nbsp;day&#8217;<wbr><br \/>\n              s&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">and&nbsp;send&nbsp;an&nbsp;important message&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;military.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;latest&nbsp;drills&nbsp;are&nbsp;an&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n              apparent&nbsp;warning&nbsp;to&nbsp;Taiwan&#8217;s&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n              President&nbsp;Lai&nbsp;Ching-te&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n              his&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Democratic&nbsp;Progressive&nbsp;Party,&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n              which&nbsp;Beijing&nbsp;regards&nbsp;as&nbsp;a&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\n              pro-independence&nbsp;force.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">______________________________<wbr \/>__________<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\">NHK&nbsp;World&nbsp;(English)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/nhkworld\/en\/news\/20250402_16\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?hl=ja&amp;q=https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/nhkworld\/en\/news\/20250402_16\/index.html&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1748517347048000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1mhyDLpRETc4DExju607lB\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color:#337ab7\">https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/<wbr><br \/>\n            nhkworld\/en\/news\/20250402_16\/<wbr><br \/>\n            index.html<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"border-top: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; background: #a5e9ff; padding: 3.75pt 13.5pt 3.75pt 13.5pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">4\/2<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: none; border-top: solid white 1.0pt; background: #eeeeee; padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<div>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse\">\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"height:7.5pt\">\n<td width=\"10\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width:7.5pt;padding:0mm 0mm 0mm 0mm;height:7.5pt\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height:0%\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:1.0pt\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" width=\"10\" height=\"10\" style=\"width:.1041in;height:.1041in\" id=\"m_-4514945124640962081m_2599578529728716041m_3579518599418645092_x0000_i1417\" src=\"https:\/\/ci3.googleusercontent.com\/meips\/ADKq_NZ757Xdz5WDMhYe5ksHwKvhWcWsH16LJuEO-7a7w4DgoVG-xkYZkVku5m16Nu5XyqPbUwzsPQ2dhwhU1B5tuKnmcWU1j0-Wfuw8sHYsv7iTHwYpoM5FdXClx5EtMWoJwwEJOrk=s0-d-e1-ft#https:\/\/gy53-cdn.asp.cuenote.jp\/0000013c\/202504\/000166ef\/0001-68db5fc0def9.gif\"><\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:1.0pt\"><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td valign=\"bottom\" style=\"padding:0mm 0mm 0mm 0mm;height:7.5pt\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height:0%\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:1.0pt\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" width=\"1\" height=\"10\" style=\"width:.0104in;height:.1041in\" id=\"m_-4514945124640962081m_2599578529728716041m_3579518599418645092_x0000_i1416\" src=\"https:\/\/ci3.googleusercontent.com\/meips\/ADKq_NZ757Xdz5WDMhYe5ksHwKvhWcWsH16LJuEO-7a7w4DgoVG-xkYZkVku5m16Nu5XyqPbUwzsPQ2dhwhU1B5tuKnmcWU1j0-Wfuw8sHYsv7iTHwYpoM5FdXClx5EtMWoJwwEJOrk=s0-d-e1-ft#https:\/\/gy53-cdn.asp.cuenote.jp\/0000013c\/202504\/000166ef\/0001-68db5fc0def9.gif\"><\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:1.0pt\"><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"10\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width:7.5pt;padding:0mm 0mm 0mm 0mm;height:7.5pt\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height:0%\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:1.0pt\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" width=\"10\" height=\"10\" style=\"width:.1041in;height:.1041in\" id=\"m_-4514945124640962081m_2599578529728716041m_3579518599418645092_x0000_i1415\" src=\"https:\/\/ci3.googleusercontent.com\/meips\/ADKq_NZ757Xdz5WDMhYe5ksHwKvhWcWsH16LJuEO-7a7w4DgoVG-xkYZkVku5m16Nu5XyqPbUwzsPQ2dhwhU1B5tuKnmcWU1j0-Wfuw8sHYsv7iTHwYpoM5FdXClx5EtMWoJwwEJOrk=s0-d-e1-ft#https:\/\/gy53-cdn.asp.cuenote.jp\/0000013c\/202504\/000166ef\/0001-68db5fc0def9.gif\"><\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:1.0pt\"><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"10\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width:7.5pt;padding:0mm 0mm 0mm 0mm\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height:0%\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:1.0pt\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" width=\"10\" height=\"1\" style=\"width:.1041in;height:.0104in\" id=\"m_-4514945124640962081m_2599578529728716041m_3579518599418645092_x0000_i1414\" src=\"https:\/\/ci3.googleusercontent.com\/meips\/ADKq_NZ757Xdz5WDMhYe5ksHwKvhWcWsH16LJuEO-7a7w4DgoVG-xkYZkVku5m16Nu5XyqPbUwzsPQ2dhwhU1B5tuKnmcWU1j0-Wfuw8sHYsv7iTHwYpoM5FdXClx5EtMWoJwwEJOrk=s0-d-e1-ft#https:\/\/gy53-cdn.asp.cuenote.jp\/0000013c\/202504\/000166ef\/0001-68db5fc0def9.gif\"><\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:1.0pt\"><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<div>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Press&nbsp;Release&nbsp;by&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;<wbr>Ministry&nbsp;of&nbsp;Foreign&nbsp;Affairs<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;On&nbsp;April&nbsp;2,&nbsp;the&nbsp;7th&nbsp;Japan-<wbr>India&nbsp;Maritime&nbsp;Affairs&nbsp;<wbr>Dialogue&nbsp;was&nbsp;held&nbsp;in&nbsp;Tokyo.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Mr.&nbsp;KASHIWABARA&nbsp;Yutaka,&nbsp;<wbr>Deputy&nbsp;Director-General&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr>the&nbsp;Southeast&nbsp;and&nbsp;Southwest&nbsp;<wbr>Asian&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Affairs&nbsp;Department,&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>Ministry&nbsp;of&nbsp;Foreign&nbsp;Affairs, Ms.&nbsp;Muanpuii&nbsp;Saiawi&nbsp;Joint&nbsp;<wbr>Secretary,&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Disarmament&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;International&nbsp;<wbr>Security&nbsp;Affairs,&nbsp;Ministry&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr>External&nbsp;Affairs,&nbsp;and&nbsp;other&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">relevant&nbsp;officials&nbsp;<wbr>participated&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;Dialogue.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">1 During&nbsp;the&nbsp;dialogue,&nbsp;both&nbsp;<wbr>sides&nbsp;discussed&nbsp;their&nbsp;<wbr>assessments&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;situation&nbsp;<wbr>and&nbsp;regional&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">challenges&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;Indo-<wbr>Pacific.&nbsp;To&nbsp;realize&nbsp;a&nbsp;Free&nbsp;<wbr>and&nbsp;Open&nbsp;Indo-Pacific,&nbsp;they&nbsp;<wbr>concurred&nbsp;on&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">the&nbsp;necessity&nbsp;of&nbsp;both&nbsp;<wbr>countries&nbsp;continuing close&nbsp;cooperation&nbsp;to&nbsp;maintain&nbsp;<wbr>and&nbsp;strengthen&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">the&nbsp;maritime&nbsp;order&nbsp;based&nbsp;on&nbsp;<wbr>the&nbsp;rule&nbsp;of&nbsp;law.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">2 In&nbsp;addition,&nbsp;both&nbsp;countries&nbsp;<wbr>welcomed&nbsp;steady&nbsp;progress&nbsp;in&nbsp;<wbr>maritime&nbsp;cooperation,&nbsp;<wbr>including&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">the&nbsp;regular&nbsp;conduct&nbsp;of&nbsp;joint&nbsp;<wbr>exercises&nbsp;and&nbsp;ongoing&nbsp;<wbr>coordination&nbsp;for&nbsp;ship&nbsp;<wbr>maintenance&nbsp;in&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">India,&nbsp;and&nbsp;they&nbsp;shared&nbsp;views&nbsp;<wbr>on&nbsp;potential&nbsp;areas&nbsp;for&nbsp;future&nbsp;<wbr>collaboration.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">3 Furthermore,&nbsp;recognizing&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>importance&nbsp;not&nbsp;only&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr>bilateral&nbsp;cooperation&nbsp;but&nbsp;of&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">cooperation&nbsp;among&nbsp;like-minded&nbsp;<wbr>countries,&nbsp;including&nbsp;Japan,&nbsp;<wbr>India,&nbsp;the&nbsp;United&nbsp;States,&nbsp;and&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Australia,&nbsp;both&nbsp;sides&nbsp;<wbr>discussed&nbsp;the&nbsp;strengthening&nbsp;<wbr>of&nbsp;coordination&nbsp;through&nbsp;<wbr>multilateral&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">frameworks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">______________________________<wbr \/>__________<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\">Ministry&nbsp;of&nbsp;Foreign&nbsp;Affairs<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mofa.go.jp\/press\/release\/pressite_000001_01143.html\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?hl=ja&amp;q=https:\/\/www.mofa.go.jp\/press\/release\/pressite_000001_01143.html&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1748517347048000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3reOUN9g0Y1qABsQGOcJdy\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color:#337ab7\">https:\/\/www.mofa.go.jp\/press\/<wbr>release\/pressite_000001_01143.<wbr>html<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"10\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width:7.5pt;padding:0mm 0mm 0mm 0mm\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height:0%\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:1.0pt\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" width=\"10\" height=\"1\" style=\"width:.1041in;height:.0104in\" id=\"m_-4514945124640962081m_2599578529728716041m_3579518599418645092_x0000_i1413\" src=\"https:\/\/ci3.googleusercontent.com\/meips\/ADKq_NZ757Xdz5WDMhYe5ksHwKvhWcWsH16LJuEO-7a7w4DgoVG-xkYZkVku5m16Nu5XyqPbUwzsPQ2dhwhU1B5tuKnmcWU1j0-Wfuw8sHYsv7iTHwYpoM5FdXClx5EtMWoJwwEJOrk=s0-d-e1-ft#https:\/\/gy53-cdn.asp.cuenote.jp\/0000013c\/202504\/000166ef\/0001-68db5fc0def9.gif\"><\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:1.0pt\"><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height:7.5pt\">\n<td width=\"10\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width:7.5pt;padding:0mm 0mm 0mm 0mm;height:7.5pt\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height:0%\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:1.0pt\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" width=\"10\" height=\"10\" style=\"width:.1041in;height:.1041in\" id=\"m_-4514945124640962081m_2599578529728716041m_3579518599418645092_x0000_i1412\" src=\"https:\/\/ci3.googleusercontent.com\/meips\/ADKq_NZ757Xdz5WDMhYe5ksHwKvhWcWsH16LJuEO-7a7w4DgoVG-xkYZkVku5m16Nu5XyqPbUwzsPQ2dhwhU1B5tuKnmcWU1j0-Wfuw8sHYsv7iTHwYpoM5FdXClx5EtMWoJwwEJOrk=s0-d-e1-ft#https:\/\/gy53-cdn.asp.cuenote.jp\/0000013c\/202504\/000166ef\/0001-68db5fc0def9.gif\"><\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:1.0pt\"><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td valign=\"bottom\" style=\"padding:0mm 0mm 0mm 0mm;height:7.5pt\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height:0%\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:1.0pt\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" width=\"1\" height=\"10\" style=\"width:.0104in;height:.1041in\" id=\"m_-4514945124640962081m_2599578529728716041m_3579518599418645092_x0000_i1411\" src=\"https:\/\/ci3.googleusercontent.com\/meips\/ADKq_NZ757Xdz5WDMhYe5ksHwKvhWcWsH16LJuEO-7a7w4DgoVG-xkYZkVku5m16Nu5XyqPbUwzsPQ2dhwhU1B5tuKnmcWU1j0-Wfuw8sHYsv7iTHwYpoM5FdXClx5EtMWoJwwEJOrk=s0-d-e1-ft#https:\/\/gy53-cdn.asp.cuenote.jp\/0000013c\/202504\/000166ef\/0001-68db5fc0def9.gif\"><\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:1.0pt\"><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"10\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width:7.5pt;padding:0mm 0mm 0mm 0mm;height:7.5pt\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height:0%\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:1.0pt\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" width=\"10\" height=\"10\" style=\"width:.1041in;height:.1041in\" id=\"m_-4514945124640962081m_2599578529728716041m_3579518599418645092_x0000_i1410\" src=\"https:\/\/ci3.googleusercontent.com\/meips\/ADKq_NZ757Xdz5WDMhYe5ksHwKvhWcWsH16LJuEO-7a7w4DgoVG-xkYZkVku5m16Nu5XyqPbUwzsPQ2dhwhU1B5tuKnmcWU1j0-Wfuw8sHYsv7iTHwYpoM5FdXClx5EtMWoJwwEJOrk=s0-d-e1-ft#https:\/\/gy53-cdn.asp.cuenote.jp\/0000013c\/202504\/000166ef\/0001-68db5fc0def9.gif\"><\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:1.0pt\"><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"border-top: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; background: #a5e9ff; padding: 3.75pt 13.5pt 3.75pt 13.5pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">4\/3<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: none; border-top: solid white 1.0pt; background: #eeeeee; padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<div>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Press&nbsp;Release&nbsp;by&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;<wbr>Ministry&nbsp;of&nbsp;Foreign&nbsp;Affairs&nbsp;(<wbr>excerpt)<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Attendance&nbsp;of&nbsp;Foreign&nbsp;<wbr>Minister&nbsp;Iwaya&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;Meeting&nbsp;<wbr>of&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;Ministers&nbsp;of&nbsp;Foreign&nbsp;<wbr>Affairs<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;On&nbsp;April&nbsp;3,&nbsp;commencing&nbsp;at&nbsp;4&nbsp;<wbr>p.m.&nbsp;(11&nbsp;p.m.&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;time)&nbsp;for&nbsp;<wbr>approximately&nbsp;1&nbsp;hours&nbsp;50&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">minutes,&nbsp;Mr.&nbsp;IWAYA&nbsp;Takeshi,&nbsp;<wbr>Minister&nbsp;for&nbsp;Foreign&nbsp;Affairs&nbsp;<wbr>of&nbsp;Japan,&nbsp;who&nbsp;is&nbsp;visiting&nbsp;the&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Kingdom&nbsp;of&nbsp;Belgium,&nbsp;<wbr>participated&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;Meeting&nbsp;<wbr>of&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;Ministers&nbsp;of&nbsp;Foreign&nbsp;<wbr>Affairs.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;overview&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;meeting&nbsp;<wbr>is&nbsp;as&nbsp;follows.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">1&nbsp;Foreign&nbsp;Minister&nbsp;Iwaya&nbsp;<wbr>attended&nbsp;the&nbsp;Meeting&nbsp;of&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;<wbr>Ministers&nbsp;of&nbsp;Foreign&nbsp;Affairs,&nbsp;<wbr>to&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">which&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;has&nbsp;been&nbsp;invited&nbsp;<wbr>for&nbsp;four&nbsp;consecutive&nbsp;years&nbsp;<wbr>since&nbsp;2022.&nbsp;Minister&nbsp;Iwaya&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">participated&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;session&nbsp;<wbr>attended&nbsp;by&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;ministers&nbsp;<wbr>from&nbsp;32&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;member&nbsp;countries&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">and&nbsp;Indo-Pacific&nbsp;partners&nbsp;(<wbr>IP4:&nbsp;Japan,&nbsp;Australia,&nbsp;New&nbsp;<wbr>Zealand,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Republic&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr>Korea).<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Discussions&nbsp;were&nbsp;held&nbsp;on&nbsp;<wbr>security&nbsp;challenges&nbsp;across&nbsp;<wbr>the&nbsp;regions,&nbsp;the&nbsp;NATO-IP4&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">cooperation&nbsp;and&nbsp;others.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">2&nbsp;The&nbsp;outline&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;speech&nbsp;<wbr>by&nbsp;Minister&nbsp;Iwaya&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>meeting&nbsp;was&nbsp;as&nbsp;follows.<br \/>\n(1) The&nbsp;recent&nbsp;development&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr>dialogue,&nbsp;and&nbsp;cooperation&nbsp;<wbr>between&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;and&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">and&nbsp;Indo-Pacific&nbsp;partners&nbsp;(<wbr><br \/>\nIP4:&nbsp;Japan,&nbsp;Australia,&nbsp;New&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\nZealand,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Republic&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr><br \/>\nKorea).<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo <\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">demonstrates&nbsp;our&nbsp;fully&nbsp;shared&nbsp;<wbr>recognition&nbsp;that&nbsp;the&nbsp;security&nbsp;<wbr>of&nbsp;Euro-Atlantic&nbsp;and&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">IndoPacific&nbsp;is&nbsp;inseparable.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">(2) As&nbsp;we&nbsp;share&nbsp;values,&nbsp;<wbr>principles,&nbsp;and&nbsp;strategic&nbsp;<wbr>interests,&nbsp;it&nbsp;is&nbsp;important&nbsp;<wbr>for&nbsp;us&nbsp;to&nbsp;work&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">together&nbsp;to&nbsp;show&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>international&nbsp;community&nbsp;that&nbsp;<wbr>we&nbsp;do&nbsp;not&nbsp;tolerate&nbsp;any&nbsp;<wbr>unilateral&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">attempts&nbsp;to&nbsp;change&nbsp;the&nbsp;status&nbsp;<wbr>quo&nbsp;by&nbsp;force&nbsp;anywhere&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>world,&nbsp;including&nbsp;Russia<\/span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">\u2019<span lang=\"EN-US\">s&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">aggression&nbsp;against&nbsp;Ukraine.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">(3) Regarding&nbsp;situations&nbsp;in&nbsp;<wbr>Ukraine,&nbsp;diplomatic&nbsp;efforts,&nbsp;<wbr>which&nbsp;are&nbsp;currently&nbsp;ongoing&nbsp;<wbr>by&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">countries&nbsp;concerned&nbsp;for&nbsp;an&nbsp;<wbr>early&nbsp;end&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;prolonged&nbsp;<wbr>combat,&nbsp;is&nbsp;important&nbsp;for&nbsp;<wbr>leading&nbsp;to&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">an&nbsp;early&nbsp;comprehensive&nbsp;<wbr>ceasefire,&nbsp;and&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>achievement&nbsp;of&nbsp;and&nbsp;just&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>lasting&nbsp;peace,&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">under&nbsp;the&nbsp;solidarity&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>international&nbsp;community.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">(4) Japan&nbsp;strongly&nbsp;condemns&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>advancement&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;military&nbsp;<wbr>cooperation&nbsp;between&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;and&nbsp;Russia, including&nbsp;the&nbsp;engagement&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr>North&nbsp;Korean&nbsp;troops&nbsp;deployed&nbsp;<wbr>to&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Russia&nbsp;in&nbsp;combat&nbsp;against&nbsp;<wbr>Ukraine,&nbsp;as&nbsp;well as&nbsp;its&nbsp;provision&nbsp;of&nbsp;munitions&nbsp;<wbr>and&nbsp;missiles,&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">which&nbsp;not&nbsp;only&nbsp;leads&nbsp;to&nbsp;<wbr>further&nbsp;deterioration&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>situation&nbsp;in&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;but&nbsp;also&nbsp;<wbr>affects&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">the&nbsp;security&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;Indo-<wbr>Pacific&nbsp;region.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">(5) In&nbsp;the&nbsp;Indo-Pacific&nbsp;region,&nbsp;<wbr>unilateral&nbsp;attempts&nbsp;to&nbsp;change&nbsp;<wbr>the&nbsp;status&nbsp;quo&nbsp;by&nbsp;force&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">continue&nbsp;and&nbsp;are&nbsp;even&nbsp;<wbr>strengthened,&nbsp;including&nbsp;in&nbsp;<wbr>the&nbsp;East&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>South&nbsp;China&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Sea.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">(6) Japan&nbsp;is&nbsp;also&nbsp;seriously&nbsp;<wbr>concerned&nbsp;about&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&#8217;s&nbsp;<wbr>nuclear&nbsp;and&nbsp;missile&nbsp;<wbr>activities&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">which&nbsp;are&nbsp;funded&nbsp;by&nbsp;malicious&nbsp;<wbr>cyber&nbsp;activities,&nbsp;including&nbsp;<wbr>cryptocurrency&nbsp;thefts.&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">appreciates&nbsp;the&nbsp;understanding&nbsp;<wbr>and&nbsp;cooperation&nbsp;from&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;<wbr>member&nbsp;countries&nbsp;for&nbsp;the&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">immediate&nbsp;resolution&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>abductions&nbsp;issue.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">(7) Japan&nbsp;intends&nbsp;to&nbsp;continue&nbsp;its&nbsp;<wbr>efforts&nbsp;to&nbsp;promote&nbsp;a&nbsp;free&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>open&nbsp;Indo-Pacific&nbsp;based&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">on&nbsp;the rule&nbsp;of&nbsp;law,&nbsp;and&nbsp;will&nbsp;<wbr>continue&nbsp;to&nbsp;work&nbsp;closely&nbsp;with&nbsp;<wbr>NATO&nbsp;and&nbsp;its&nbsp;member&nbsp;countries,<wbr>&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Japan&nbsp;expects&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;to&nbsp;further&nbsp;<wbr>engage&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;Indo-Pacific.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">______________________________<wbr \/>__________<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\">Ministry&nbsp;of&nbsp;Foreign&nbsp;Affairs<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mofa.go.jp\/erp\/ep\/pageite_000001_00004.html\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?hl=ja&amp;q=https:\/\/www.mofa.go.jp\/erp\/ep\/pageite_000001_00004.html&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1748517347048000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3JOjrMU6lfs7nlFbwzC7Gp\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color:#337ab7\">https:\/\/www.mofa.go.jp\/erp\/ep\/<wbr>pageite_000001_00004.html<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"border-top: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; background: #a5e9ff; padding: 3.75pt 13.5pt 3.75pt 13.5pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">4\/3<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: none; border-top: solid white 1.0pt; background: #eeeeee; padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<div>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;From&nbsp;April&nbsp;1&nbsp;to&nbsp;2,&nbsp;JMSDF&nbsp;has&nbsp;<wbr>confirmed&nbsp;five&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;naval&nbsp;<wbr>vessels&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;waters&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">360&nbsp;km&nbsp;south&nbsp;of&nbsp;Yonagunijima&nbsp;<wbr>Island&nbsp;(1&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;below&nbsp;chart)&nbsp;<wbr>on&nbsp;April&nbsp;1&nbsp;and&nbsp;330&nbsp;km&nbsp;south&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">of&nbsp;Yonagunijima&nbsp;Island&nbsp;&nbsp;(2&nbsp;in&nbsp;<wbr>the&nbsp;below&nbsp;chart)&nbsp;on&nbsp;April&nbsp;2.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;This&nbsp;squadron&nbsp;consisted&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr>one&nbsp;Admiral&nbsp;Kuznetsov&nbsp;class&nbsp;<wbr>aircraft&nbsp;carrier&nbsp;Shandong<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp;(hull&nbsp;number&nbsp;17),&nbsp;one&nbsp;Renhai&nbsp;<wbr>class&nbsp;destroyer&nbsp;(hull&nbsp;number&nbsp;<wbr>106),&nbsp;one&nbsp;Luyang&nbsp;III&nbsp;class&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">destroyer&nbsp;(hull&nbsp;number&nbsp;165),&nbsp;<wbr>one&nbsp;Jangkai&nbsp;II&nbsp;class&nbsp;frigate&nbsp;(<wbr>hull&nbsp;number&nbsp;571)&nbsp;and&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">one&nbsp;Type&nbsp;901&nbsp;fast&nbsp;combat&nbsp;<wbr>support&nbsp;ship&nbsp;(hull&nbsp;number&nbsp;905)<wbr>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;During&nbsp;this&nbsp;period,&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>Shandong&nbsp;(hull&nbsp;number&nbsp;17)&nbsp;was&nbsp;<wbr>confirmed&nbsp;to&nbsp;have&nbsp;made&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">approximately&nbsp;70&nbsp;landings&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>takeoffs,&nbsp;including&nbsp;<wbr>approximately&nbsp;40&nbsp;by&nbsp;fighter&nbsp;<wbr>aircraft&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">and&nbsp;30&nbsp;by&nbsp;helicopters.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;On&nbsp;April&nbsp;3,&nbsp;these&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;<wbr>naval&nbsp;vessels&nbsp;were&nbsp;confirmed&nbsp;<wbr>to&nbsp;have&nbsp;sailed&nbsp;toward&nbsp;the&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"display:none\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align:center;word-break:break-all\">\n<span lang=\"EN-US\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" width=\"300\" height=\"132\" style=\"width:3.125in;height:1.375in\" id=\"m_-4514945124640962081m_2599578529728716041m_3579518599418645092_x0000_i1381\" src=\"https:\/\/ci3.googleusercontent.com\/meips\/ADKq_NY9mjwQ8N-ym55sNbOc7zpcrRkdLJzOCCLD1NdSsjKVXiUIi2ZyIy-fKk3xfvbJ1IIxjN5i-phFkuGK0zum0aGiJq1BcKIP90LY5G0WURU3UsGgi58rM5x0Q6I23-lRjYK9I90=s0-d-e1-ft#https:\/\/gy53-cdn.asp.cuenote.jp\/0000013c\/202504\/000166ef\/0013-0c4287af19f1.png\"><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"display:none\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align:center;word-break:break-all\">\n<span lang=\"EN-US\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" width=\"150\" height=\"162\" style=\"width:1.5625in;height:1.6875in\" id=\"m_-4514945124640962081m_2599578529728716041m_3579518599418645092_x0000_i1380\" src=\"https:\/\/ci3.googleusercontent.com\/meips\/ADKq_NZjLGJGfKOiurNp7TPIxZ27w7WvmtEHFdsrppCmwFHcewTfIS7pAGduhrIiJJVpLJw1bdE39yygES9Xjreq6VtzQZsKbjNAUHnsay-j58Yu13PpOjloFgvjwOI4v15dHfKmquM=s0-d-e1-ft#https:\/\/gy53-cdn.asp.cuenote.jp\/0000013c\/202504\/000166ef\/0014-ff869c5a772f.png\"><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"display:none\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">______________________________<wbr \/>__________<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\">Japan Joint Staff<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/js\/pdf\/2025\/p20250403_01.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?hl=ja&amp;q=https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/js\/pdf\/2025\/p20250403_01.pdf&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1748517347049000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2PO5fw6ZjNKVWI9CnawfPp\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color:#337ab7\">https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/js\/pdf\/<wbr>2025\/p20250403_01.pdf<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"border-top: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; background: #a5e9ff; padding: 3.75pt 13.5pt 3.75pt 13.5pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">4\/3<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: none; border-top: solid white 1.0pt; background: #eeeeee; padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<div>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;number&nbsp;of&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;UAVs&nbsp;<wbr>that&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;Ministry&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr>Defense&nbsp;confirmed&nbsp;flying&nbsp;<wbr>around&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">the&nbsp;Nansei&nbsp;Islands&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>last&nbsp;fiscal&nbsp;year&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>scrambled&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;Air&nbsp;Self-<wbr>Defense&nbsp;Force&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">fighter&nbsp;jets&nbsp;has&nbsp;increased&nbsp;<wbr>seven-fold&nbsp;compared&nbsp;to&nbsp;FY2021&nbsp;<wbr>to&nbsp;30&nbsp;(including&nbsp;estimated&nbsp;<wbr>cases).&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;airspace&nbsp;flown&nbsp;by&nbsp;<wbr>Chinese&nbsp;UAVs&nbsp;is&nbsp;also&nbsp;rapidly&nbsp;<wbr>expanding&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;north-east&nbsp;<wbr>of&nbsp;the&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">main&nbsp;island&nbsp;of&nbsp;Okinawa.&nbsp;China&nbsp;<wbr>is&nbsp;believed&nbsp;to&nbsp;be&nbsp;improving&nbsp;<wbr>its&nbsp;UAV&nbsp;operational&nbsp;<wbr>capabilities&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">with&nbsp;an&nbsp;invasion&nbsp;of&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;in&nbsp;<wbr>mind,&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;JSDF&nbsp;is&nbsp;keeping&nbsp;<wbr>a&nbsp;close&nbsp;eye&nbsp;on&nbsp;developments.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;Japan&nbsp;Ministry&nbsp;of&nbsp;Defense&nbsp;<wbr>has&nbsp;been&nbsp;publicizing&nbsp;peculiar&nbsp;<wbr>movements&nbsp;of&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;aircraft&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">confirmed&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;vicinity&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr>Japan.&nbsp;The&nbsp;first&nbsp;announcement&nbsp;<wbr>of&nbsp;a&nbsp;flight&nbsp;of&nbsp;a&nbsp;single&nbsp;UAV&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">(nationality&nbsp;unknown)&nbsp;was&nbsp;<wbr>made&nbsp;in&nbsp;FY2013.&nbsp;Then&nbsp;it&nbsp;<wbr>announced&nbsp;one&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;UAV&nbsp;<wbr>each&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">in&nbsp;FY2017&nbsp;and&nbsp;FY2018,&nbsp;<wbr>followed&nbsp;by&nbsp;four&nbsp;in&nbsp;FY2021,&nbsp;<wbr>10&nbsp;in&nbsp;FY2022,&nbsp;nine&nbsp;in&nbsp;FY2023,&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">and&nbsp;30&nbsp;in&nbsp;FY2024.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;Not&nbsp;only&nbsp;is&nbsp;the&nbsp;number&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr>UAVs&nbsp;increasing,&nbsp;but&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>areas&nbsp;of&nbsp;their&nbsp;flying&nbsp;are&nbsp;<wbr>also&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">expanding.&nbsp;In&nbsp;FY&nbsp;2021,&nbsp;two&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr>the&nbsp;four&nbsp;UAVs&nbsp;flew&nbsp;only&nbsp;over&nbsp;<wbr>the&nbsp;East&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea,&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">remaining&nbsp;two&nbsp;UAVs&nbsp;passed&nbsp;<wbr>between&nbsp;main&nbsp;island&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr>Okinawa&nbsp;and&nbsp;Miyakojima&nbsp;Island,<wbr>&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">entered&nbsp;the&nbsp;Pacific&nbsp;Ocean,&nbsp;<wbr>and&nbsp;then&nbsp;reversed&nbsp;course&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>returned&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;East&nbsp;China&nbsp;<wbr>Sea.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">In&nbsp;FY2024,&nbsp;however,&nbsp;four&nbsp;UAVs&nbsp;<wbr>were&nbsp;confirmed&nbsp;to&nbsp;fly&nbsp;<wbr>northward&nbsp;and&nbsp;approach&nbsp;Amami&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Oshima&nbsp;Island&nbsp;(Kagoshima&nbsp;<wbr>Prefecture)&nbsp;after&nbsp;entering&nbsp;<wbr>the&nbsp;Pacific&nbsp;Ocean.&nbsp;There&nbsp;was&nbsp;<wbr>also&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">a&nbsp;case&nbsp;that&nbsp;UAVs&nbsp;flew&nbsp;<wbr>southward&nbsp;near&nbsp;Miyakojima&nbsp;<wbr>Island&nbsp;and&nbsp;Yonaguni&nbsp;Island&nbsp;in&nbsp;<wbr>Okinawa&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Prefecture,&nbsp;and&nbsp;then&nbsp;headed&nbsp;<wbr>for&nbsp;the&nbsp;Bashi&nbsp;Strait&nbsp;south&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr>Taiwan. Of&nbsp;the&nbsp;30&nbsp;UAVs&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">announced&nbsp;for&nbsp;FY2024,&nbsp;17,&nbsp;or&nbsp;<wbr>about&nbsp;half, flew&nbsp;between&nbsp;Yonaguni&nbsp;Island&nbsp;<wbr>and Taiwan,<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">and&nbsp;back&nbsp;and&nbsp;forth&nbsp;between&nbsp;<wbr>the&nbsp;East&nbsp;China Sea&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Pacific&nbsp;Ocean.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;six&nbsp;types&nbsp;of&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;<wbr>UAVs&nbsp;have&nbsp;been&nbsp;identified&nbsp;so&nbsp;<wbr>far&nbsp;and&nbsp;all&nbsp;were&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;type&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">with&nbsp;fixed&nbsp;wings.&nbsp;All&nbsp;had&nbsp;<wbr>reconnaissance&nbsp;capabilities,&nbsp;<wbr>and&nbsp;three&nbsp;of&nbsp;them&nbsp;had&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>ability&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">to&nbsp;attack&nbsp;with&nbsp;missiles&nbsp;or&nbsp;<wbr>other&nbsp;means.&nbsp;The&nbsp;size&nbsp;of&nbsp;most&nbsp;<wbr>of&nbsp;them&nbsp;was&nbsp;about&nbsp;10&nbsp;meters&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">in&nbsp;length.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;military&nbsp;is&nbsp;<wbr>expanding&nbsp;its&nbsp;military&nbsp;<wbr>activities&nbsp;with&nbsp;aircrafts&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>naval&nbsp;vessels&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">in&nbsp;the&nbsp;sea&nbsp;and&nbsp;airspace&nbsp;<wbr>around&nbsp;Japan.&nbsp;The&nbsp;increased&nbsp;<wbr>activity&nbsp;of&nbsp;UAVs&nbsp;is&nbsp;believed&nbsp;<wbr>to&nbsp;be&nbsp;part&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">of&nbsp;this&nbsp;trend.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;A&nbsp;Defense&nbsp;Ministry&nbsp;official&nbsp;<wbr>noted,&nbsp;<\/span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">\u201c<span lang=\"EN-US\">It&nbsp;is&nbsp;clear&nbsp;that&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>aim&nbsp;is&nbsp;to&nbsp;increase&nbsp;military&nbsp;<wbr>pressure&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">on&nbsp;Taiwan.&nbsp;China&nbsp;will&nbsp;<wbr>increasingly&nbsp;expand&nbsp;the&nbsp;area&nbsp;<wbr>of&nbsp;activity&nbsp;of&nbsp;its&nbsp;UAVs,<\/span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">\u201d<span lang=\"EN-US\">&nbsp;he&nbsp;<wbr>noted.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">______________________________<wbr \/>__________<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\">Yomiuri&nbsp;Shimbun&nbsp;News<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.yomiuri.co.jp\/national\/20250402-OYT1T50161\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?hl=ja&amp;q=https:\/\/www.yomiuri.co.jp\/national\/20250402-OYT1T50161\/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1748517347049000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2MhWVYCSdN9ooouuuXitsK\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color:#337ab7\">https:\/\/www.yomiuri.co.jp\/<wbr>national\/20250402-OYT1T50161\/<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"border-top: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; background: #a5e9ff; padding: 3.75pt 13.5pt 3.75pt 13.5pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">4\/4<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: none; border-top: solid white 1.0pt; background: #eeeeee; padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<div>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;On&nbsp;April&nbsp;4,&nbsp;JMSDF&nbsp;has&nbsp;<wbr>confirmed&nbsp;one&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;Luyang&nbsp;<wbr>III&nbsp;class&nbsp;destroyer&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">(hull&nbsp;number&nbsp;155)&nbsp;and&nbsp;one&nbsp;<wbr>Chinese&nbsp;Jangkai&nbsp;II&nbsp;class&nbsp;<wbr>frigate&nbsp;(hull&nbsp;number&nbsp;577)&nbsp;<wbr>sailing&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">northwest&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;waters&nbsp;90km&nbsp;<wbr>northeast&nbsp;of&nbsp;Miyakojima&nbsp;<wbr>Island&nbsp;(Okinawa&nbsp;Prefecture).&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Then&nbsp;JMSDF&nbsp;has&nbsp;confirmed&nbsp;<wbr>these&nbsp;vessels&nbsp;sailing&nbsp;<wbr>northwest&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;waters&nbsp;<wbr>between&nbsp;the&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">main&nbsp;island&nbsp;of&nbsp;Okinawa&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>Miyakojima&nbsp;Island&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;East&nbsp;<wbr>China&nbsp;Sea.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"display:none\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align:center;word-break:break-all\">\n<span lang=\"EN-US\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" width=\"200\" height=\"132\" style=\"width:2.0833in;height:1.375in\" id=\"m_-4514945124640962081m_2599578529728716041m_3579518599418645092_x0000_i1347\" src=\"https:\/\/ci3.googleusercontent.com\/meips\/ADKq_NbjorSrzfEMelS1ASwRfMP_G_bNuM0AhylUQXYGxKAPsmUaI_h0GsN6uXmWILPEEQrkzmRCacEy-JtPanKMAxfKMI0JBmwUhimOuxrBKH4eEbIZVBxdni9Tb-rRsdYeynPBqis=s0-d-e1-ft#https:\/\/gy53-cdn.asp.cuenote.jp\/0000013c\/202504\/000166ef\/0002-ae6ae9fccb91.png\"><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"display:none\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">______________________________<wbr \/>__________<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\">Japan Joint Staff<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/js\/pdf\/2025\/p20250404_01.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?hl=ja&amp;q=https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/js\/pdf\/2025\/p20250404_01.pdf&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1748517347049000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0aHJmbePK3R-rDYUgagB-5\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color:#337ab7\">https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/js\/pdf\/<wbr>2025\/p20250404_01.pdf<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"border-top: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; background: #a5e9ff; padding: 3.75pt 13.5pt 3.75pt 13.5pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">4\/4<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: none; border-top: solid white 1.0pt; background: #eeeeee; padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<div>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;Japan&nbsp;Joint&nbsp;Staff&nbsp;confirmed&nbsp;<wbr>ond&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;IL-20&nbsp;ELINT&nbsp;<wbr>flying&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;continent&nbsp;<wbr>into&nbsp;the<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Sea&nbsp;of&nbsp;Japan on April&nbsp;4.&nbsp;This&nbsp;aircraft&nbsp;flew&nbsp;<wbr>southwest&nbsp;over&nbsp;the&nbsp;Sea&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr>Japan,&nbsp;turned&nbsp;at&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">the&nbsp;area&nbsp;off&nbsp;Cape&nbsp;<wbr>Kyougamisaki&nbsp;(Kyoto&nbsp;<wbr>Prefecture)&nbsp;and&nbsp;flew&nbsp;back&nbsp;to&nbsp;<wbr>the&nbsp;continent.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Japan&nbsp;Air&nbsp;Self-Defense&nbsp;Force&nbsp;<wbr>scrambled to&nbsp;this&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;aircraft.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"display:none\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align:center;word-break:break-all\">\n<span lang=\"EN-US\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" width=\"150\" height=\"167\" style=\"width:1.5625in;height:1.7395in\" id=\"m_-4514945124640962081m_2599578529728716041m_3579518599418645092_x0000_i1330\" src=\"https:\/\/ci3.googleusercontent.com\/meips\/ADKq_NaPuXP4YH2UNmPoolEUi5q9Kszkc1WY7DInhIdfMSAiB06bR2JHATNPDTKfMFJu6WcYUCaCfHgfakzFjnrO5NFg7JK1vNLYOhQingsYk2df-Kre1R0w2A_n01dZX6tl5iFWLNQ=s0-d-e1-ft#https:\/\/gy53-cdn.asp.cuenote.jp\/0000013c\/202504\/000166ef\/0003-a31af1f9ee63.png\"><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"display:none\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">______________________________<wbr \/>__________<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\">Japan Joint Staff<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/js\/pdf\/2025\/p20250404_02.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?hl=ja&amp;q=https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/js\/pdf\/2025\/p20250404_02.pdf&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1748517347050000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3RQeg3RiXNpdJTPMRoTZw4\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color:#337ab7\">https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/js\/pdf\/<wbr>2025\/p20250404_02.pdf<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"border-top: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; background: #a5e9ff; padding: 3.75pt 13.5pt 3.75pt 13.5pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">4\/6<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: none; border-top: solid white 1.0pt; background: #eeeeee; padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<div>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;On&nbsp;the&nbsp;morning&nbsp;of&nbsp;April&nbsp;5,&nbsp;<wbr>two&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;Coast&nbsp;Guard&nbsp;<wbr>vessels&nbsp;intruded&nbsp;into&nbsp;Japan&#8217;s&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">territorial&nbsp;waters&nbsp;off&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>Senkaku&nbsp;Islands&nbsp;in&nbsp;Okinawa&nbsp;<wbr>Prefecture,&nbsp;and&nbsp;after&nbsp;<wbr>navigating&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">in&nbsp;Japan<\/span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">\u2019<span lang=\"EN-US\">s&nbsp;territorial&nbsp;waters&nbsp;<wbr>for&nbsp;approximately&nbsp;25&nbsp;hours,&nbsp;<wbr>both&nbsp;vessels&nbsp;left&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>territorial&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">waters&nbsp;by&nbsp;11:00&nbsp;am&nbsp;on&nbsp;6.&nbsp;<wbr>Japan&nbsp;Coast&nbsp;Guard&nbsp;continues&nbsp;<wbr>to&nbsp;warn&nbsp;and&nbsp;monitor&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>vessels&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">to&nbsp;prevent&nbsp;them&nbsp;from&nbsp;<wbr>intruding&nbsp;into&nbsp;Japan&#8217;s&nbsp;<wbr>territorial&nbsp;waters&nbsp;again.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;According&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;11th&nbsp;<wbr>Regional&nbsp;Coast&nbsp;Guard&nbsp;<wbr>Headquarters,&nbsp;around&nbsp;10:00&nbsp;a.<wbr>m.&nbsp;on<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">April&nbsp;5,&nbsp;two&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;Coast&nbsp;<wbr>Guard&nbsp;vessels&nbsp;intruded&nbsp;into&nbsp;<wbr>Japan&#8217;s&nbsp;territorial&nbsp;waters&nbsp;<wbr>off&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Minami-Kojima&nbsp;Island&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>Senkaku&nbsp;Islands&nbsp;and&nbsp;attempted&nbsp;<wbr>to&nbsp;approach&nbsp;a&nbsp;Japanese&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">fishing&nbsp;boat&nbsp;operating&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>area.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;two&nbsp;vessels,&nbsp;both&nbsp;<wbr>carrying&nbsp;guns,&nbsp;sailed&nbsp;in&nbsp;Japan<\/span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\"><wbr>\u2019<span lang=\"EN-US\">s&nbsp;territorial&nbsp;waters&nbsp;for&nbsp;<wbr>about&nbsp;25&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">hours,&nbsp;and&nbsp;after&nbsp;the&nbsp;Japanese&nbsp;<wbr>fishing&nbsp;boat&nbsp;left&nbsp;the&nbsp;area,&nbsp;<wbr>they&nbsp;both&nbsp;left&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>territorial&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">waters&nbsp;at&nbsp;about&nbsp;10:50&nbsp;a.m.&nbsp;on&nbsp;<wbr>June&nbsp;6.&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;Coast&nbsp;Guard&nbsp;<wbr>continues&nbsp;to&nbsp;warn&nbsp;and&nbsp;monitor&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">the&nbsp;vessels&nbsp;to&nbsp;prevent&nbsp;them&nbsp;<wbr>from&nbsp;intruding&nbsp;into&nbsp;Japan&#8217;s&nbsp;<wbr>territorial&nbsp;waters&nbsp;again.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;This&nbsp;is&nbsp;the&nbsp;first&nbsp;time&nbsp;since&nbsp;<wbr>March&nbsp;24&nbsp;that&nbsp;a&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;Coast&nbsp;<wbr>Guard&nbsp;vessel&nbsp;has&nbsp;been&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">observed&nbsp;intruding&nbsp;into&nbsp;<wbr>Japanese&nbsp;territorial&nbsp;waters&nbsp;<wbr>off&nbsp;the&nbsp;Senkaku&nbsp;Islands.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">______________________________<wbr \/>__________<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\">NHK&nbsp;News&nbsp;(Japanese)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/news\/html\/20250406\/k10014771621000.html\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?hl=ja&amp;q=https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/news\/html\/20250406\/k10014771621000.html&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1748517347050000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1cy5g_5QdNE_N2_gB6AoZn\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color:#337ab7\">https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/news\/<wbr>html\/20250406\/k10014771621000.<wbr>html<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"border-top: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; background: #a5e9ff; padding: 3.75pt 13.5pt 3.75pt 13.5pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">4\/7<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: none; border-top: solid white 1.0pt; background: #eeeeee; padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<div>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Press&nbsp;Release&nbsp;by&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;<wbr>Ministry&nbsp;of&nbsp;Foreign&nbsp;Affairs<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">G7&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;ministers<\/span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">\u2019<span lang=\"EN-US\">&nbsp;<wbr>statement&nbsp;on&nbsp;China<\/span>\u2019<span lang=\"EN-US\">s&nbsp;large-<wbr>scale&nbsp;military&nbsp;drills&nbsp;around&nbsp;<wbr>Taiwan<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;We,&nbsp;the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;Foreign&nbsp;Ministers&nbsp;<wbr>of&nbsp;Canada,&nbsp;France,&nbsp;Germany,&nbsp;<wbr>Italy,&nbsp;Japan,&nbsp;the&nbsp;United&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Kingdom&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;United&nbsp;States&nbsp;<wbr>of&nbsp;America&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;High&nbsp;<wbr>Representative&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>European&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Union,&nbsp;express&nbsp;deep&nbsp;concern&nbsp;<wbr>about&nbsp;China<\/span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">\u2019<span lang=\"EN-US\">s&nbsp;provocative&nbsp;<wbr>actions,&nbsp;particularly&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>recent&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">large-scale&nbsp;military&nbsp;drills&nbsp;<wbr>around&nbsp;Taiwan.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;These&nbsp;increasingly&nbsp;frequent&nbsp;<wbr>and&nbsp;destabilizing&nbsp;activities&nbsp;<wbr>are&nbsp;raising&nbsp;cross-Strait&nbsp;<wbr>tensions&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">and put&nbsp;at&nbsp;risk&nbsp;global&nbsp;security&nbsp;<wbr>and&nbsp;prosperity.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;G7&nbsp;members&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;larger&nbsp;<wbr>international&nbsp;community&nbsp;have&nbsp;<wbr>an&nbsp;interest&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>preservation&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">of&nbsp;peace&nbsp;and&nbsp;stability&nbsp;across&nbsp;<wbr>the&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;Strait.&nbsp;We&nbsp;oppose&nbsp;<wbr>any&nbsp;unilateral&nbsp;actions&nbsp;to&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">threaten&nbsp;such&nbsp;peace&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>stability,&nbsp;including&nbsp;by&nbsp;force&nbsp;<wbr>or&nbsp;coercion.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;G7&nbsp;members&nbsp;continue&nbsp;to&nbsp;<wbr>encourage&nbsp;the&nbsp;peaceful&nbsp;<wbr>resolution&nbsp;of&nbsp;issues&nbsp;through&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">constructive&nbsp;cross-Strait&nbsp;<wbr>dialogue.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">______________________________<wbr \/>__________<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\">Ministry&nbsp;of&nbsp;Foreign&nbsp;Affairs<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mofa.go.jp\/mofaj\/files\/100825981.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?hl=ja&amp;q=https:\/\/www.mofa.go.jp\/mofaj\/files\/100825981.pdf&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1748517347050000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1P0i2TjpPdxPEHBswFuaZk\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color:#337ab7\">https:\/\/www.mofa.go.jp\/mofaj\/<wbr>files\/100825981.pdf<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"border-top: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; background: #a5e9ff; padding: 3.75pt 13.5pt 3.75pt 13.5pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">4\/7<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: none; border-top: solid white 1.0pt; background: #eeeeee; padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<div>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;Around&nbsp;10:00&nbsp;a.m.&nbsp;on&nbsp;April&nbsp;7,<wbr>&nbsp;four&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;Coast&nbsp;Guard&nbsp;<wbr>vessels&nbsp;intruded&nbsp;into&nbsp;Japan&#8217;s&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">territorial&nbsp;waters&nbsp;off&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>Senkaku&nbsp;Islands&nbsp;in&nbsp;Okinawa&nbsp;<wbr>Prefecture.&nbsp;All&nbsp;vessels&nbsp;left&nbsp;<wbr>the&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">territorial&nbsp;waters&nbsp;by&nbsp;noon,&nbsp;<wbr>and&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;Coast&nbsp;Guard&nbsp;<wbr>continues&nbsp;to&nbsp;warn&nbsp;and&nbsp;monitor&nbsp;<wbr>the&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">vessels&nbsp;to&nbsp;prevent&nbsp;them&nbsp;from&nbsp;<wbr>intruding&nbsp;into&nbsp;Japan&#8217;s&nbsp;<wbr>territorial&nbsp;waters&nbsp;again.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;According&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;11th&nbsp;<wbr>Regional&nbsp;Coast&nbsp;Guard&nbsp;<wbr>Headquarters,&nbsp;around&nbsp;10:00&nbsp;a.<wbr>m.&nbsp;on&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">April&nbsp;7,&nbsp;four&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;Coast&nbsp;<wbr>Guard&nbsp;vessels&nbsp;intruded&nbsp;into&nbsp;<wbr>Japan&#8217;s&nbsp;territorial&nbsp;waters&nbsp;<wbr>off&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Taisyo-Jima&nbsp;Island&nbsp;and&nbsp;Minami-<wbr>Kojima&nbsp;Island in&nbsp;the&nbsp;Senkaku&nbsp;Islands.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<wbr>four&nbsp;vessels&nbsp;sailed&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">in&nbsp;Japan<\/span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">\u2019<span lang=\"EN-US\">s&nbsp;territorial&nbsp;waters&nbsp;<wbr>for&nbsp;between&nbsp;1.5&nbsp;and&nbsp;2&nbsp;hours&nbsp;<wbr>and&nbsp;they&nbsp;all&nbsp;left&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>territorial&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">waters&nbsp;at&nbsp;about&nbsp;noon.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;Japan&nbsp;Coast&nbsp;Guard&nbsp;continues&nbsp;<wbr>to&nbsp;warn&nbsp;and&nbsp;monitor&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>vessels&nbsp;to&nbsp;prevent&nbsp;them&nbsp;from&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">intruding&nbsp;into&nbsp;Japan&#8217;s&nbsp;<wbr>territorial&nbsp;waters&nbsp;again.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">______________________________<wbr \/>__________<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\">NHK&nbsp;News&nbsp;(Japanese)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/news\/html\/20250407\/k10014772371000.html\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?hl=ja&amp;q=https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/news\/html\/20250407\/k10014772371000.html&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1748517347050000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1-XP9XkLApg2QQW1V8mZNy\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color:#337ab7\">https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/news\/<wbr>html\/20250407\/k10014772371000.<wbr>html<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"border-top: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; background: #a5e9ff; padding: 3.75pt 13.5pt 3.75pt 13.5pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">4\/7<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: none; border-top: solid white 1.0pt; background: #eeeeee; padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<div>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;Russia&#8217;s&nbsp;Supreme&nbsp;Prosecutor&#8217;<wbr>s&nbsp;Office&nbsp;announced&nbsp;that&nbsp;it&nbsp;<wbr>has&nbsp;designated<\/span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">\u201c<span lang=\"EN-US\">&nbsp;Northern&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Territories&nbsp;Issue&nbsp;Association<\/span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">\u201d<span lang=\"EN-US\"><wbr>,&nbsp;a&nbsp;Japanese&nbsp;organization&nbsp;<wbr>that&nbsp;has&nbsp;conducted&nbsp;visa-free&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">exchange&nbsp;and&nbsp;other&nbsp;projects on&nbsp;the&nbsp;Four&nbsp;Northern&nbsp;Islands&nbsp;<wbr>of&nbsp;the&nbsp;Northern&nbsp;Territories,&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">as&nbsp;an&nbsp;&#8220;unfavorable&nbsp;<wbr>organization<\/span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">\u201d<span lang=\"EN-US\">.&nbsp;This&nbsp;is&nbsp;seen&nbsp;<wbr>as&nbsp;part&nbsp;of&nbsp;pressure&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>Japanese&nbsp;side&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">who&nbsp;has&nbsp;imposed&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;on&nbsp;<wbr>Russia&nbsp;for&nbsp;its&nbsp;military&nbsp;<wbr>aggression&nbsp;against&nbsp;Ukraine.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;On&nbsp;April&nbsp;7,&nbsp;Russia&#8217;s&nbsp;Supreme&nbsp;<wbr>Prosecutor&#8217;s&nbsp;Office&nbsp;announced&nbsp;<wbr>that&nbsp;it&nbsp;had&nbsp;designated&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">\u201c<span lang=\"EN-US\">Northern&nbsp;Territories&nbsp;Issue&nbsp;<wbr>Association<\/span>\u201d<span lang=\"EN-US\">,&nbsp;a&nbsp;Japanese&nbsp;<wbr>organization&nbsp;that&nbsp;has&nbsp;<wbr>conducted&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">educational&nbsp;activities&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>Northern&nbsp;Territories&nbsp;issue&nbsp;<wbr>and&nbsp;visa-free&nbsp;exchange&nbsp;<wbr>programs&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">with&nbsp;the&nbsp;Four&nbsp;Northern&nbsp;<wbr>Islands,&nbsp;as&nbsp;an &#8220;unfavorable&nbsp;organization<\/span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">\u201d<span lang=\"EN-US\">.&nbsp;<wbr>The&nbsp;announcement&nbsp;stated&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">that&nbsp;members&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>organization&nbsp;<\/span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">\u201c<span lang=\"EN-US\">have&nbsp;publicly&nbsp;<wbr>stated&nbsp;that&nbsp;they&nbsp;do&nbsp;not&nbsp;<wbr>recognize&nbsp;Russia&#8217;s&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">jurisdiction&nbsp;over&nbsp;the&nbsp;so-<wbr>called&nbsp;<\/span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">\u2018<span lang=\"EN-US\">the&nbsp;Northern&nbsp;<wbr>Territories,<\/span>\u2019\u201d<span lang=\"EN-US\">&nbsp;and&nbsp;cited&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>organization&#8217;s<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">holding&nbsp;seminars&nbsp;and&nbsp;study&nbsp;<wbr>groups&nbsp;as&nbsp;part&nbsp;of&nbsp;its&nbsp;<wbr>restitution&nbsp;campaign,&nbsp;among other&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">reasons.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;This&nbsp;designation&nbsp;will&nbsp;<wbr>prohibit&nbsp;activities&nbsp;in&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;<wbr>and&nbsp;the&nbsp;provision&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr>information&nbsp;via&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">the&nbsp;Internet.<br \/>\n&nbsp; &nbsp;<\/span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">\u201c<span lang=\"EN-US\">Chishima-Habomai-Kyojusha-<wbr>Renmei<\/span>\u201d<span lang=\"EN-US\">,&nbsp;which&nbsp;consists&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr>former&nbsp;residents&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Northern&nbsp;Territories&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>others,&nbsp;have&nbsp;already&nbsp;<wbr>designated&nbsp;as&nbsp;an&nbsp;&#8220;unfavorable&nbsp;<wbr>organization<\/span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">\u201d<span lang=\"EN-US\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">The&nbsp;designation&nbsp;of&nbsp;this&nbsp;time&nbsp;<wbr>is&nbsp;seen&nbsp;as&nbsp;part&nbsp;of&nbsp;pressure&nbsp;<wbr>on&nbsp;the&nbsp;Japanese&nbsp;side&nbsp;who&nbsp;has&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">imposed&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;on&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;<wbr>for&nbsp;its&nbsp;military&nbsp;aggression&nbsp;<wbr>against&nbsp;Ukraine.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">______________________________<wbr \/>__________<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\">NHK&nbsp;News&nbsp;(Japanese)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/news\/html\/20250407\/k10014772781000.html\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?hl=ja&amp;q=https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/news\/html\/20250407\/k10014772781000.html&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1748517347051000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1_oWQzW_hOyHpR7YaxyUm4\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color:#337ab7\">https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/news\/<wbr>html\/20250407\/k10014772781000.<wbr>html<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"border-top: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; background: #a5e9ff; padding: 3.75pt 13.5pt 3.75pt 13.5pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">4\/8<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: none; border-top: solid white 1.0pt; background: #eeeeee; padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<div>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;Japanese&nbsp;Chief&nbsp;Cabinet&nbsp;<wbr>Secretary&nbsp;Yoshimasa&nbsp;Hayashi&nbsp;<wbr>revealed&nbsp;at&nbsp;a&nbsp;press&nbsp;<wbr>conference&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">on&nbsp;August&nbsp;8&nbsp;that&nbsp;in&nbsp;response&nbsp;<wbr>to&nbsp;Russia&#8217;s&nbsp;Supreme&nbsp;<wbr>Prosecutor&#8217;s&nbsp;Office<\/span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">\u2019<span lang=\"EN-US\">s&nbsp;<wbr>designation&nbsp;of&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">\u201c<span lang=\"EN-US\">Northern&nbsp;Territories&nbsp;Issue&nbsp;<wbr>Association<\/span>\u201d<span lang=\"EN-US\">,&nbsp;an&nbsp;independent&nbsp;<wbr>Japanese&nbsp;administrative&nbsp;<wbr>agency,&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">as&nbsp;an&nbsp;<\/span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">\u201c<span lang=\"EN-US\">unfavorable&nbsp;<wbr>organization,<\/span>\u201d<span lang=\"EN-US\">&nbsp;the&nbsp;Japanese&nbsp;<wbr>government&nbsp;has&nbsp;demanded&nbsp;that&nbsp;<wbr>Russia&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">withdraw&nbsp;this&nbsp;designation.&nbsp;He&nbsp;<wbr>stated,&nbsp;<\/span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">\u201c<span lang=\"EN-US\">This&nbsp;is&nbsp;extremely&nbsp;<wbr>one-sided&nbsp;and&nbsp;unacceptable.<\/span>\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;He&nbsp;also&nbsp;indicated&nbsp;that&nbsp;he&nbsp;<wbr>would&nbsp;continue&nbsp;to&nbsp;place&nbsp;<wbr>emphasis&nbsp;on&nbsp;visiting&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>graves&nbsp;of&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">former&nbsp;islanders,&nbsp;and&nbsp;would&nbsp;<wbr>seek&nbsp;the&nbsp;resumption&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr>exchange&nbsp;programs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">______________________________<wbr \/>__________<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\">Ministry&nbsp;of&nbsp;Foreign&nbsp;Affairs<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sankei.com\/article\/20250408-T3LS7I7CRZL3FENJ5WQGM26Z7E\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?hl=ja&amp;q=https:\/\/www.sankei.com\/article\/20250408-T3LS7I7CRZL3FENJ5WQGM26Z7E\/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1748517347051000&amp;usg=AOvVaw01mA-nwUJR4A8-1V26sQ_Y\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color:#337ab7\">https:\/\/www.sankei.com\/<wbr>article\/20250408-<wbr>T3LS7I7CRZL3FENJ5WQGM26Z7E\/<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"border-top: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; background: #a5e9ff; padding: 3.75pt 13.5pt 3.75pt 13.5pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">4\/8<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: none; border-top: solid white 1.0pt; background: #eeeeee; padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<div>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;Japan&#8217;s&nbsp;annual&nbsp;diplomatic&nbsp;<wbr>report&nbsp;points&nbsp;out&nbsp;that&nbsp;<wbr>growing&nbsp;military&nbsp;cooperation&nbsp;<wbr>between&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Russia&nbsp;and&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;not&nbsp;<wbr>only&nbsp;aggravates&nbsp;the&nbsp;situation&nbsp;<wbr>in&nbsp;Ukraine,&nbsp;but&nbsp;should&nbsp;also&nbsp;<wbr>be&nbsp;of&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">great&nbsp;concern&nbsp;in&nbsp;terms&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr>regionalsecurity&nbsp;around&nbsp;Japan.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;Diplomatic&nbsp;Bluebook&nbsp;<wbr>presented&nbsp;at&nbsp;Tuesday&#8217;s&nbsp;<wbr>Cabinet&nbsp;meeting&nbsp;summarizes&nbsp;<wbr>the&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">international&nbsp;situation&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>Japan&#8217;s&nbsp;diplomacy&nbsp;over&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>past&nbsp;year.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;report&nbsp;notes&nbsp;the&nbsp;United&nbsp;<wbr>Nations&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council&nbsp;has&nbsp;<wbr>not&nbsp;played&nbsp;its&nbsp;expected&nbsp;role&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">amid&nbsp;Russia&#8217;s&nbsp;continued&nbsp;<wbr>aggression&nbsp;toward&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>conflicts&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;Middle&nbsp;East.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;It&nbsp;adds&nbsp;that&nbsp;countries&nbsp;<wbr>comprising&nbsp;the&nbsp;Global&nbsp;South&nbsp;<wbr>are&nbsp;increasingly&nbsp;unhappy&nbsp;with&nbsp;<wbr>the&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">global&nbsp;governance,&nbsp;and&nbsp;that&nbsp;<wbr>this&nbsp;has&nbsp;led&nbsp;to&nbsp;a&nbsp;serious&nbsp;<wbr>divide.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;report&nbsp;refers&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>summit&nbsp;in&nbsp;February&nbsp;between&nbsp;<wbr>Japanese&nbsp;Prime&nbsp;Minister&nbsp;<wbr>Ishiba&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Shigeru&nbsp;and&nbsp;US&nbsp;President&nbsp;<wbr>Donald&nbsp;Trump,&nbsp;and&nbsp;stresses&nbsp;<wbr>that&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;is&nbsp;committed&nbsp;to&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">deepening&nbsp;bilateral&nbsp;ties.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;bluebook&nbsp;notes&nbsp;that&nbsp;<wbr>security&nbsp;in&nbsp;Europe,&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>Middle&nbsp;East&nbsp;and&nbsp;Indo-Pacific&nbsp;<wbr>are&nbsp;closely&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">linked. It&nbsp;vows&nbsp;that&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;will&nbsp;work&nbsp;<wbr>to&nbsp;bolster&nbsp;partnerships&nbsp;with&nbsp;<wbr>the&nbsp;Group&nbsp;of&nbsp;Seven&nbsp;and&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">like-minded&nbsp;nations&nbsp;to maintain&nbsp;and&nbsp;strengthen&nbsp;a&nbsp;<wbr>free&nbsp;and&nbsp;open&nbsp;international&nbsp;<wbr>order&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">based&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;rule&nbsp;of&nbsp;law.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;On&nbsp;China,&nbsp;the&nbsp;report&nbsp;says&nbsp;<wbr>there&nbsp;are&nbsp;many&nbsp;challenges&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>concerns,&nbsp;such&nbsp;as&nbsp;its&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">attempts&nbsp;to&nbsp;unilaterally&nbsp;<wbr>change&nbsp;the&nbsp;status&nbsp;quo&nbsp;by&nbsp;<wbr>force.&nbsp;But&nbsp;it&nbsp;states&nbsp;that&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>two&nbsp;countries&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">will&nbsp;both&nbsp;make&nbsp;efforts&nbsp;to&nbsp;<wbr>promote&nbsp;a&nbsp;mutually&nbsp;beneficial&nbsp;<wbr>relationship&nbsp;based&nbsp;on&nbsp;common&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">strategic&nbsp;interests.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">______________________________<wbr \/>__________<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\">NHK&nbsp;World&nbsp;(English)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/nhkworld\/en\/news\/20250408_14\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?hl=ja&amp;q=https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/nhkworld\/en\/news\/20250408_14\/index.html&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1748517347051000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3GNhosMLZeTNRAo269_dJv\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color:#337ab7\">https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/<wbr>nhkworld\/en\/news\/20250408_14\/<wbr>index.html<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"border-top: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; background: #a5e9ff; padding: 3.75pt 13.5pt 3.75pt 13.5pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">4\/9<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: none; border-top: solid white 1.0pt; background: #eeeeee; padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<div>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;In&nbsp;response&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;Japanese&nbsp;<wbr>government&#8217;s&nbsp;statement&nbsp;in&nbsp;<\/span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">\u201c<span lang=\"EN-US\">Jap<wbr>an&#8217;s&nbsp;annual&nbsp;diplomatic&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">report<\/span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">\u201d<span lang=\"EN-US\">&nbsp;that&nbsp;it&nbsp;intends to&nbsp;resolve&nbsp;the&nbsp;Northern&nbsp;<wbr>Territories&nbsp;issue&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>conclude&nbsp;a&nbsp;peace&nbsp;treaty,&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">a&nbsp;spokesman&nbsp;for&nbsp;the&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;<wbr>presidential&nbsp;administration&nbsp;<wbr>insisted&nbsp;that&nbsp;the&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">imposed&nbsp;by&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;on&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;<wbr>must&nbsp;be&nbsp;lifted&nbsp;first.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;In&nbsp;<\/span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">\u201c<span lang=\"EN-US\">Japan&#8217;s&nbsp;annual&nbsp;<wbr>diplomatic&nbsp;report<\/span>\u201d<span lang=\"EN-US\">&nbsp;for&nbsp;this&nbsp;<wbr>year,&nbsp;the&nbsp;Japanese&nbsp;government&nbsp;<wbr>stated&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">that&nbsp;Japan&#8217;s&nbsp;relations&nbsp;with&nbsp;<wbr>Russia&nbsp;are&nbsp;in&nbsp;a&nbsp;difficult&nbsp;<wbr>situation&nbsp;due&nbsp;to&nbsp;Russia<\/span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">\u2019<span lang=\"EN-US\">s&nbsp;<wbr>invasion&nbsp;of&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Ukraine,&nbsp;but&nbsp;that&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;&#8220;<wbr>upholds&nbsp;the&nbsp;policy&nbsp;to&nbsp;<wbr>conclude&nbsp;a&nbsp;peace&nbsp;treaty&nbsp;<wbr>through&nbsp;the&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">resolution&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;issue&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr>the&nbsp;attribution&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;Four&nbsp;<wbr>Northern&nbsp;Islands<\/span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">\u201d<span lang=\"EN-US\">.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;In&nbsp;response,&nbsp;Peskov,&nbsp;a&nbsp;<wbr>spokesman&nbsp;for&nbsp;the&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;<wbr>presidential&nbsp;administration,&nbsp;<wbr>said&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">on&nbsp;April&nbsp;8,&nbsp;&#8220;Japan&nbsp;is&nbsp;fully&nbsp;<wbr>participating&nbsp;in&nbsp;all&nbsp;<wbr>unfriendly&nbsp;and&nbsp;hostile&nbsp;<wbr>measures&nbsp;against&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Russia.&nbsp;While&nbsp;in&nbsp;words&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;<wbr>says&nbsp;it&nbsp;wants&nbsp;to&nbsp;conclude&nbsp;a&nbsp;<wbr>peace&nbsp;treaty,&nbsp;the&nbsp;actual&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">measures&nbsp;being&nbsp;taken&nbsp;by&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>Japanese&nbsp;leadership&nbsp;are&nbsp;<wbr>something&nbsp;else&nbsp;entirely<\/span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">\u201d<span lang=\"EN-US\">.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;He&nbsp;then&nbsp;stated&nbsp;that&nbsp;<\/span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">\u201c<span lang=\"EN-US\">there&nbsp;<wbr>is&nbsp;no&nbsp;need&nbsp;to&nbsp;talk&nbsp;about&nbsp;<wbr>negotiations&nbsp;under&nbsp;these&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">circumstances,<\/span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">\u201d<span lang=\"EN-US\">&nbsp;and&nbsp;insisted that&nbsp;the&nbsp;lifting&nbsp;of&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;<wbr>imposed&nbsp;by&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;on&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;in&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">response&nbsp;to&nbsp;its&nbsp;invasion&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr>Ukraine&nbsp;must come&nbsp;first.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">______________________________<wbr \/>__________<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\">NHK&nbsp;News&nbsp;(Japanese)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/news\/html\/20250409\/k10014773991000.html\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?hl=ja&amp;q=https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/news\/html\/20250409\/k10014773991000.html&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1748517347052000&amp;usg=AOvVaw33HWMc5a7nEZZ9jpzHM1Ok\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color:#337ab7\">https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/news\/<wbr>html\/20250409\/k10014773991000.<wbr>html<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"border-top: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; background: #a5e9ff; padding: 3.75pt 13.5pt 3.75pt 13.5pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">4\/9<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: none; border-top: solid white 1.0pt; background: #eeeeee; padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<div>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;JMSDF confirmed one Chinese Luyang III class destroyer (hull number 124), sailing&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">northeast 50 km southwest of Tsusima Islands (Nagasaki Prefecture) on April 7. Then&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">JMSDF confirmed this vessel sailing northeast to the Sea of Japan through the Tsusima&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Strait.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"display:none\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align:center;word-break:break-all\">\n<span lang=\"EN-US\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" width=\"150\" height=\"128\" style=\"width:1.5625in;height:1.3333in\" id=\"m_-4514945124640962081m_2599578529728716041m_3579518599418645092_x0000_i1201\" src=\"https:\/\/ci3.googleusercontent.com\/meips\/ADKq_NYzr56oMPLrVFCkplHymUv_7Wqm4iL7iuse9fkANTHqQmO-EZKw_OX5zXpnR4GLNWZlQy2cnvboSnZEp42WPR5Gi_NF-q7X_HPfmFGO7xmI3I7bmaE9F7v6IUUl6hgYY5MkmcA=s0-d-e1-ft#https:\/\/gy53-cdn.asp.cuenote.jp\/0000013c\/202504\/000166ef\/0004-1c77874ddaa5.png\"><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"display:none\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">______________________________<wbr \/>__________<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\">Japan Joint Staff<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/js\/pdf\/2025\/p20250409_03.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?hl=ja&amp;q=https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/js\/pdf\/2025\/p20250409_03.pdf&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1748517347052000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0zVHpbDxoqXNNkZsKWK8Fy\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color:#337ab7\">https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/js\/pdf\/<wbr>2025\/p20250409_03.pdf<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"border-top: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; background: #a5e9ff; padding: 3.75pt 13.5pt 3.75pt 13.5pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">4\/10<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: none; border-top: solid white 1.0pt; background: #eeeeee; padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<div>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Monthly&nbsp;Statistics&nbsp;on&nbsp;<wbr>Scrambles<\/span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">\uff08<span lang=\"EN-US\">March<\/span>\uff09<span lang=\"EN-US\"><br \/>\n&nbsp; &nbsp;Japan&nbsp;Joint&nbsp;Staff&nbsp;released&nbsp;<wbr>its&nbsp;monthly&nbsp;statistics&nbsp;on&nbsp;<wbr>scrambles.&nbsp;In&nbsp;March,&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;<wbr>Air&nbsp;Self&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Defense&nbsp;Force&nbsp;(JASDF)&nbsp;<wbr>conducted&nbsp;62&nbsp;scrambles.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<wbr>most&nbsp;scrambles&nbsp;are&nbsp;against&nbsp;<wbr>Russian&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">aircrafts&nbsp;(37&nbsp;times;&nbsp;the&nbsp;rest&nbsp;<wbr>were&nbsp;against&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;<wbr>aircrafts).<br \/>\n<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\">Japan&nbsp;Joint&nbsp;Staff<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/js\/pdf\/2025\/p20250410_01.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?hl=ja&amp;q=https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/js\/pdf\/2025\/p20250410_01.pdf&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1748517347052000&amp;usg=AOvVaw38Si_78N-QflwD1QtyUPD0\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color:#337ab7\">https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/js\/pdf\/<wbr>2025\/p20250410_01.pdf<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"border-top: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; background: #a5e9ff; padding: 3.75pt 13.5pt 3.75pt 13.5pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">4\/10<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: none; border-top: solid white 1.0pt; background: #eeeeee; padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<div>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;Japan&nbsp;Joint&nbsp;Staff&nbsp;released&nbsp;<wbr>statistics&nbsp;on&nbsp;scramble&nbsp;by&nbsp;<wbr>Japan&nbsp;Air&nbsp;Self-Defense&nbsp;Force in&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">FY2024 (between&nbsp;April&nbsp;1,&nbsp;2024&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>March&nbsp;31,&nbsp;2025).&nbsp;The&nbsp;number&nbsp;<wbr>of&nbsp;scrambles during&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">this&nbsp;period&nbsp;hit&nbsp;704.&nbsp;That&nbsp;<wbr>remained&nbsp;at&nbsp;a&nbsp;high&nbsp;level.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<wbr>percentages&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;number&nbsp;of&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">scrambles&nbsp;by&nbsp;target&nbsp;country\/<wbr>region&nbsp;were&nbsp;approximately&nbsp;66%&nbsp;<wbr>for&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;aircraft,&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">34%&nbsp;for&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;aircraft,&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>less&nbsp;than&nbsp;1%&nbsp;for&nbsp;others.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">______________________________<wbr \/>__________<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\">Japan&nbsp;Joint&nbsp;Staff<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/js\/pdf\/2025\/p20250410_02.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?hl=ja&amp;q=https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/js\/pdf\/2025\/p20250410_02.pdf&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1748517347052000&amp;usg=AOvVaw26BM0b6vZvEm8oGlUJTXeN\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color:#337ab7\">https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/js\/pdf\/<wbr>2025\/p20250410_02.pdf<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"border-top: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; background: #a5e9ff; padding: 3.75pt 13.5pt 3.75pt 13.5pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">4\/11<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: none; border-top: solid white 1.0pt; background: #eeeeee; padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<div>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;Japan&nbsp;Joint&nbsp;Staff&nbsp;confirmed&nbsp;<wbr>one&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;Y-9&nbsp;patrol&nbsp;<wbr>aircraft&nbsp;flying from&nbsp;the&nbsp;East&nbsp;China<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Sea&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;Pacific&nbsp;Ocean&nbsp;<wbr>through&nbsp;the&nbsp;area&nbsp;between&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>main&nbsp;island&nbsp;of&nbsp;Okinawa&nbsp;and&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Miyakojima&nbsp;Island&nbsp;on&nbsp;April&nbsp;11.<wbr>&nbsp;This&nbsp;aircraft&nbsp;then circled&nbsp;and turned&nbsp;over&nbsp;the&nbsp;Pacific&nbsp;Ocean&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">and&nbsp;flew back&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;East&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea&nbsp;<wbr>through&nbsp;the&nbsp;same&nbsp;area.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">(Red&nbsp;line&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;below&nbsp;chart)<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;On&nbsp;the&nbsp;same&nbsp;day,&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;Joint&nbsp;<wbr>Staff&nbsp;also&nbsp;confirmed&nbsp;one&nbsp;<wbr>Chinese&nbsp;UAV&nbsp;(estimated)&nbsp;<wbr>flying&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">from&nbsp;the&nbsp;East&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea&nbsp;to&nbsp;<wbr>the&nbsp;Pacific&nbsp;Ocean&nbsp;through&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>area&nbsp;between&nbsp;Yonaguni&nbsp;Island&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">and&nbsp;Taiwan.&nbsp;This&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;UAV&nbsp;(<wbr>estimated)&nbsp;then&nbsp;turned&nbsp;over&nbsp;<wbr>the&nbsp;Pacific&nbsp;Ocean&nbsp;and&nbsp;flew&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">back&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;East&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea&nbsp;<wbr>through&nbsp;the&nbsp;same&nbsp;area.&nbsp;&nbsp;(<wbr>Yellow&nbsp;line&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;below&nbsp;<wbr>chart)&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;Japan&nbsp;Air&nbsp;Self-Defense&nbsp;Force&nbsp;<wbr>scrambled&nbsp;to&nbsp;them.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"display:none\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align:center;word-break:break-all\">\n<span lang=\"EN-US\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" width=\"150\" height=\"124\" style=\"width:1.5625in;height:1.2916in\" id=\"m_-4514945124640962081m_2599578529728716041m_3579518599418645092_x0000_i1152\" src=\"https:\/\/ci3.googleusercontent.com\/meips\/ADKq_NZFhCroavCEJAnxZ6IlP5MWltIyxerbatHE9gF3Y_04sTDXdhn9KIhcYcpkOCxiA8Ej0_wnirIkVuvXXbvTcA1cBdrmI1bM_Q774yQrv3tkv_2OGB6sNapkthYzfuLoyzoc5GQ=s0-d-e1-ft#https:\/\/gy53-cdn.asp.cuenote.jp\/0000013c\/202504\/000166ef\/0005-58cffad20aa6.png\"><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"display:none\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">______________________________<wbr \/>__________<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\">Japan Joint Staff<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/js\/pdf\/2025\/p20250411_03.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?hl=ja&amp;q=https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/js\/pdf\/2025\/p20250411_03.pdf&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1748517347052000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2VwzDmQsjAR_b3dD849T_G\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color:#337ab7\">https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/js\/pdf\/<wbr>2025\/p20250411_03.pdf<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"border-top: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; background: #a5e9ff; padding: 3.75pt 13.5pt 3.75pt 13.5pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">4\/11<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: none; border-top: solid white 1.0pt; background: #eeeeee; padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<div>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;On&nbsp;April&nbsp;11,&nbsp;JMSDF&nbsp;has&nbsp;<wbr>confirmed&nbsp;one&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;Luyang&nbsp;<wbr>III&nbsp;class&nbsp;destroyer&nbsp;(hull&nbsp;<wbr>number<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">156)&nbsp;and&nbsp;one&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;Jangkai&nbsp;<wbr>II&nbsp;class&nbsp;frigate&nbsp;(hull&nbsp;number&nbsp;<wbr>515)&nbsp;sailing&nbsp;south&nbsp;in&nbsp;the<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">waters&nbsp;70km&nbsp;west&nbsp;of&nbsp;Kume-jima&nbsp;<wbr>Island&nbsp;(Okinawa&nbsp;Prefecture).&nbsp;<wbr>Then&nbsp;JMSDF&nbsp;has&nbsp;confirmed&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">these&nbsp;vessels&nbsp;sailing&nbsp;<wbr>southeast&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;waters&nbsp;<wbr>between&nbsp;the&nbsp;main&nbsp;island&nbsp;of&nbsp;<wbr>Okinawa&nbsp;and&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Miyakojima&nbsp;Island&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>Pacific&nbsp;Ocean.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"display:none\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align:center;word-break:break-all\">\n<span lang=\"EN-US\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" width=\"150\" height=\"77\" style=\"width:1.5625in;height:.802in\" id=\"m_-4514945124640962081m_2599578529728716041m_3579518599418645092_x0000_i1135\" src=\"https:\/\/ci3.googleusercontent.com\/meips\/ADKq_NbZmPcDqwrYDoHTI8_qPW1q2f7cAROfM-Bve9cs7H67G_GPvzUd9jPaEWGhwfE5ow0zK8HYxUWvZMcRja2LIpLSfBLLDnQM6nlmp4z5zFsEteNturBt5n8sy0KjWSYxh4js7r4=s0-d-e1-ft#https:\/\/gy53-cdn.asp.cuenote.jp\/0000013c\/202504\/000166ef\/0006-6bc5d1f415a0.png\"><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"display:none\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">______________________________<wbr \/>__________<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\">Japan Joint Staff<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/js\/pdf\/2025\/p20250411_04.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?hl=ja&amp;q=https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/js\/pdf\/2025\/p20250411_04.pdf&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1748517347053000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1GuKe-dORYRfTlJfYOh8qq\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color:#337ab7\">https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/js\/pdf\/<wbr>2025\/p20250411_04.pdf<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"border-top: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; background: #a5e9ff; padding: 3.75pt 13.5pt 3.75pt 13.5pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">4\/11<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: none; border-top: solid white 1.0pt; background: #eeeeee; padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<div>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Press&nbsp;Release&nbsp;by&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;Joint&nbsp;<wbr>Staff<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Participation&nbsp;in&nbsp;Balikatan&nbsp;25,<wbr>&nbsp;a&nbsp;multilateral&nbsp;joint&nbsp;<wbr>exercise&nbsp;by&nbsp;the&nbsp;U.S.&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>Philippines<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;Japan&nbsp;Self-Defense&nbsp;Forces&nbsp;(<wbr>JSDF)&nbsp;will&nbsp;participate&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>U.S.-Philippines&nbsp;Joint Exercise<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Balikatan&nbsp;25.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;This&nbsp;is&nbsp;a&nbsp;multilateral&nbsp;joint&nbsp;<wbr>exercise&nbsp;co-sponsored&nbsp;by&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>United&nbsp;States&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Philippines. JSDF&nbsp;has&nbsp;participated&nbsp;in&nbsp;this&nbsp;<wbr>exercise&nbsp;as&nbsp;an&nbsp;observer&nbsp;since&nbsp;<wbr>2012,&nbsp;but&nbsp;this&nbsp;is&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">the&nbsp;first&nbsp;time&nbsp;for&nbsp;JSDF&nbsp;to&nbsp;<wbr>participate&nbsp;with&nbsp;the&nbsp;dispatch&nbsp;<wbr>of&nbsp;naval&nbsp;vessels&nbsp;and&nbsp;other&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">equipment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;JSDF&nbsp;will&nbsp;maintain&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>improve&nbsp;its&nbsp;joint&nbsp;operational&nbsp;<wbr>capability&nbsp;through&nbsp;this&nbsp;<wbr>exercise&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">and&nbsp;strengthen&nbsp;cooperation&nbsp;<wbr>with&nbsp;the&nbsp;U.S.,&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>Philippines,&nbsp;and&nbsp;other&nbsp;<wbr>participating&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">countries&nbsp;to&nbsp;create&nbsp;a&nbsp;<wbr>desirable&nbsp;security&nbsp;<wbr>environment&nbsp;for&nbsp;Japan.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">______________________________<wbr \/>__________<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\">Japan&nbsp;Joint&nbsp;Staff<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/js\/pdf\/2025\/p20250411_02.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?hl=ja&amp;q=https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/js\/pdf\/2025\/p20250411_02.pdf&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1748517347053000&amp;usg=AOvVaw32YnfMfA-ZqvhlcEEO05w1\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color:#337ab7\">https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/js\/pdf\/<wbr>2025\/p20250411_02.pdf<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"border-top: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; background: #a5e9ff; padding: 3.75pt 13.5pt 3.75pt 13.5pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">4\/12<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: none; border-top: solid white 1.0pt; background: #eeeeee; padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<div>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;Prosecutors&nbsp;in&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;have&nbsp;<wbr>indicted&nbsp;the&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;captain&nbsp;<wbr>of&nbsp;a&nbsp;ship&nbsp;registered&nbsp;under&nbsp;<wbr>the&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">flag of&nbsp;Togo&nbsp;for&nbsp;allegedly&nbsp;<wbr>damaging&nbsp;an&nbsp;undersea&nbsp;<wbr>communication&nbsp;cable.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<wbr>incident took&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">place&nbsp;in&nbsp;waters&nbsp;around&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;<wbr>in&nbsp;February.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;Tainan&nbsp;District&nbsp;<wbr>Prosecutors&nbsp;Office&nbsp;said&nbsp;on&nbsp;<wbr>Friday&nbsp;that&nbsp;the&nbsp;captain&nbsp;was&nbsp;<wbr>charged&nbsp;with&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">contravening&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>telecommunications&nbsp;management&nbsp;<wbr>law.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;He&nbsp;is&nbsp;suspected&nbsp;of&nbsp;ordering&nbsp;<wbr>his&nbsp;crew&nbsp;to&nbsp;drop&nbsp;anchor&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>sail&nbsp;in&nbsp;a&nbsp;zigzag,&nbsp;apparently&nbsp;<wbr>to&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">damage&nbsp;a&nbsp;cable&nbsp;linking&nbsp;Taiwan&#8217;<wbr>s&nbsp;main&nbsp;island&nbsp;with&nbsp;the&nbsp;Penghu&nbsp;<wbr>Islands&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;Strait.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Dropping&nbsp;anchor&nbsp;is&nbsp;prohibited&nbsp;<wbr>in&nbsp;the&nbsp;area.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;captain&nbsp;reportedly&nbsp;<wbr>denies&nbsp;the&nbsp;allegations&nbsp;and&nbsp;<wbr>refuses&nbsp;to&nbsp;speak&nbsp;about&nbsp;the&nbsp;<wbr>ship&#8217;s&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">owner,&nbsp;who&nbsp;likely&nbsp;instructed&nbsp;<wbr>him&nbsp;to&nbsp;carry&nbsp;out&nbsp;the&nbsp;act.&nbsp;<wbr>Prosecutors&nbsp;maintain&nbsp;that&nbsp;it&nbsp;<wbr>is&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">necessary&nbsp;to&nbsp;question&nbsp;him&nbsp;<wbr>further.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;But&nbsp;they&nbsp;decided&nbsp;not&nbsp;to&nbsp;<wbr>charge&nbsp;the&nbsp;captain&#8217;s&nbsp;seven&nbsp;<wbr>crew&nbsp;members&nbsp;due&nbsp;to&nbsp;a&nbsp;lack&nbsp;of&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">evidence.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;Taiwan&#8217;s&nbsp;Coast&nbsp;Guard&nbsp;<wbr>Administration&nbsp;does&nbsp;not&nbsp;rule&nbsp;<wbr>out&nbsp;the&nbsp;possibility&nbsp;of&nbsp;&#8220;gray&nbsp;<wbr>zone&#8221;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">operations&nbsp;by&nbsp;China,&nbsp;given&nbsp;<wbr>the&nbsp;nationality&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;ship&#8217;s&nbsp;<wbr>crew.&nbsp;The&nbsp;term&nbsp;refers&nbsp;to&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">subversive&nbsp;activities&nbsp;that&nbsp;<wbr>stop&nbsp;short&nbsp;of&nbsp;an&nbsp;armed&nbsp;attack.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">______________________________<wbr \/>__________<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\">Japan&nbsp;Joint&nbsp;Staff<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/nhkworld\/en\/news\/20250412_04\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?hl=ja&amp;q=https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/nhkworld\/en\/news\/20250412_04\/index.html&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1748517347053000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0qzasJUAq9gEUEBZBB1qUs\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color:#337ab7\">https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/<wbr>nhkworld\/en\/news\/20250412_04\/<wbr>index.html<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"border-top: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; background: #a5e9ff; padding: 3.75pt 13.5pt 3.75pt 13.5pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">4\/14<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: none; border-top: solid white 1.0pt; background: #eeeeee; padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<div>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;JMSDF has confirmed one Chinese Dongdiao class Intelligence ship (hull number 798)&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">sailing southeast in the waters 60km southwest of Yokoate-Jima Island (Kagoshima&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Prefecture) on April 12. Then this vessel sailed northeast in the waters between&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Amami-Ohshima Island (Kagoshima Prefecture) and Yokoate-Jima Island to the&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Pacific Ocean.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"display:none\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align:center;word-break:break-all\">\n<span lang=\"EN-US\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" width=\"159\" height=\"143\" style=\"width:1.6562in;height:1.4895in\" id=\"m_-4514945124640962081m_2599578529728716041m_3579518599418645092_x0000_i1086\" src=\"https:\/\/ci3.googleusercontent.com\/meips\/ADKq_NZLYOR4vVPdzdFr6sweMNvZ_SDWB854G30n1YWpcMyXxEhzbY_Ip13bdyxRFwTvCjWQ7OY2AiiBvZ4r911_wKnwnub0djYXxxcqxtUroJntX2W8Wbq2tyy7ZZQB-KF2k2qN5nU=s0-d-e1-ft#https:\/\/gy53-cdn.asp.cuenote.jp\/0000013c\/202504\/000166ef\/0007-d573d6829c8e.png\"><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"display:none\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">______________________________<wbr \/>__________<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\">Japan Joint Staff<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/js\/pdf\/2025\/p20250414_01.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?hl=ja&amp;q=https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/js\/pdf\/2025\/p20250414_01.pdf&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1748517347053000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0G-O6ziXaKMe15Y4uPtPUF\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color:#337ab7\">https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/js\/pdf\/<wbr>2025\/p20250414_01.pdf<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"border-top: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; background: #a5e9ff; padding: 3.75pt 13.5pt 3.75pt 13.5pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">4\/14<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: none; border-top: solid white 1.0pt; background: #eeeeee; padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<div>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">&nbsp; &nbsp;JMSDF has confirmed one Chinese Luyang II class destroyer (hull number 150),&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">one Jangkai II class frigate (hull number 578) and one Fuchi class replenishment oilers&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">(hull number 886) sailing southeast in the waters 130km west of Kuchinoerabu-Jima&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Island (Kagoshima Prefecture) on April 11. On April 12 these vessels crossed the Osumi&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;color:#333333\">Strait and navigated to the Pacific Ocean.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"display:none\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"center\" style=\"text-align:center;word-break:break-all\">\n<span lang=\"EN-US\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" width=\"177\" height=\"149\" style=\"width:1.8437in;height:1.552in\" id=\"m_-4514945124640962081m_2599578529728716041m_3579518599418645092_x0000_i1069\" src=\"https:\/\/ci3.googleusercontent.com\/meips\/ADKq_NY0LmsP3smVM-Bs7Rtua7LpkVxP5N_Yu7Jicos1q2HJYMJQWpDhUbwlCKZ1dHcDgwKvQ4LtmnvSRAsVgcPEY3cc_3NR37hrkYMgi0Ot-C1QHnuo2dvnTf2XTXM35W0eSwN-rbM=s0-d-e1-ft#https:\/\/gy53-cdn.asp.cuenote.jp\/0000013c\/202504\/000166ef\/0008-27cbf6181d04.png\"><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"display:none\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"color: #202020;\">______________________________<wbr \/>__________<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\">Japan Joint Staff<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" style=\"width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;width:100%!important\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" style=\"padding: 3.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"word-break:break-all; margin-bottom:0;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Meiryo UI&quot;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/js\/pdf\/2025\/p20250414_02.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?hl=ja&amp;q=https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/js\/pdf\/2025\/p20250414_02.pdf&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1748517347054000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0szpVBgGzFLxvfFXcMDRce\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color:#337ab7\">https:\/\/www.mod.go.jp\/js\/pdf\/<wbr>2025\/p20250414_02.pdf<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><\/center><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3>Newsletter Registration<\/h3>\n<p>What is happening in East Asian Maritime Security? The Research Institute for Peace and Security (RIPS) publishes the biweekly newsletter, \u201cEast Asian Maritime Security (EAMS)\u201d and updates the information on maritime security relevant to East Asia and Japan&#8217;s territory.<\/p>\n<div class=\"u-mbs is-top mw-400\"><a class=\"c-button\" href=\"https:\/\/forms.gle\/CiMT6bWdHrryT8mM6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Registration Form<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Vol.19. April 15, 2025 \u00a0 What is happening in East Asian Maritime Security? The Research Institute for Peaceand Security (RIPS) publishes the biweekly newsletter, the information onmaritime security relevant to East Asia and Japan&#8217;s territory.. Statistical\u00a0Data\u00a0and\u00a0Analysis\u00a0(as\u00a0of April 15) \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0During this period, there have been various developments regarding maritime security in East Asia. \u00a0 \u00a0Entering by Chinese Coast Guard vessels into the Japanese contiguous zone around the Senkaku Islands have been confirmed on an ongoing basis. During this period, &hellip; <span>More<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":2309,"menu_order":26,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v17.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Vol. 19, April 15, 2025 - RIPS - Research Institute for Peace and Security -<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"\u300cVol. 19, April 15, 2025 \u300d\u306b\u3064\u3044\u3066\u3054\u7d39\u4ecb\u3044\u305f\u3057\u307e\u3059\u3002- RIPS - Research Institute for Peace and Security - The Research Institute for Peace and Security (RIPS) is Japan\u2019s first nonprofit, private think tank. 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