Vol.19. April 15, 2025
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's territory..
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Statistical Data and Analysis (as of April 15)
During this period, there have been various developments regarding maritime security in East Asia.
Entering 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's territorial waters around the Senkaku Islands also occurred intermittently.
In 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 related to the strengthening of China's military capabilities.
At 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' 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.
[Statistical Data as of April 15]
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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.
(https://www.kaiho.mlit.go.jp/ mission/senkaku/senkaku.html)
Mar.
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Contiguous zone
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Territorial
sea
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Apr.
|
Contiguous zone
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Territorial
sea
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28
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4
|
|
6
|
4
|
2
|
29
|
4
|
|
7
|
4
|
4
|
30
|
4
|
|
8
|
4
|
|
31
|
4
|
|
9
|
4
|
|
Apr.
|
|
|
10
|
4
|
|
1
|
8
|
|
11
|
4
|
|
2
|
4
|
|
12
|
4
|
|
3
|
4
|
|
13
|
4
|
|
4
|
4
|
|
14
|
4
|
|
5
|
4
|
2
|
15
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Date
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Topics
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3/27
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Japan's government has
compiled a plan to evacuate people from remote islands in
the southwestern prefecture of
Okinawa in the event of emergencies.
The plan, the first of its kind, was released on Thursday. It would be used in cases such as a contingency involving Taiwan.
People from the five municipalities covering the Sakishima Islands would be evacuated under the plan.
The plan calls for evacuating around 120,000 residents and tourists to 32
municipalities in Kyushu, and to neighboring
Yamaguchi Prefecture in about six days. The destinations would include Fukuoka and Kagoshima airports. Vessels of the Self-Defense Forces and the Japan Coast Guard, as well as private-sector ferries and aircraft would be used to transport 20,000 people per day from the islands. From there, chartered buses and other methods of transport would be used to take evacuees to hotels and Japanese-style
inns in 32 municipalities in Kyushu's seven prefectures and Yamaguchi Prefecture. The government plan calls for all residents from one local district to beevacuated to the same municipality, so they can maintain their local community.
For example, residents of districts in Yonaguni Town would be evacuated to Saga City or Tosu City. Residents of Taketomi Town's Hateruma Island would be accommodated in Omura City, Nagasaki Prefecture.
The government plans to further study support measures for elderly residents and hospitalized patients and what to do if evacuations become prolonged. The government also hopes to compile basic guidelines in fiscal 2026.
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NHK World (English)
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3/28 |
China deployed two long-range H-6 bombers around the
Scarborough Shoal this week, in Beijing's latest move to assert sovereignty over the hotly disputed atoll in the South China Sea, satellite images obtained by Reuters showed.
The deployment, which was not publicised by China, came ahead of U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's visit to the Philippines, which also claims the shoal that lies within its exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles.
China's defence ministry did not immediately respond to questions from Reuters on the scale of the deployment or whether it was timed to coincide with Hegseth's trip. Officials from the Philippines National Security Council and military did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
During a visit to Manila on Friday, Hegseth reaffirmed the United States' "ironclad commitment" to its mutual defence treaty with the Philippines, saying China's actions made deterrence necessary in the South China Sea.
Monday's images taken by Maxar Technologies show two aircraft east of Scarborough Shoal, which China calls "Huangyan Dao".
In recent years, Chinese coast guard vessels have clashed frequently with
Philippine fishermen near the mouth of atoll, which China has at times attempted to block
since it seized de facto control of the shoal in 2012. Last month,
the Philippines coast guard accused the Chinese navy of performing dangerous flight manoeuvres nearby.
An international arbitration tribunal in the Hague ruled in 2016 that China's claims had no legal basis, but Beijing rejected that decision.
In an email to Reuters, Maxar said the aircraft in the images were H-6 bombers, adding that "rainbow colours" close to them resulted when satellite images of fast-moving objects were processed.
The timing of the flights was unlikely to be accidental, however, regional security analysts said. Beijing was sending "a signal that China has a sophisticated military," said Peter Layton of Australia's Griffith Asia Institute. "The bombers' second message could
be you (the United States) have the potential for long range strike; so do we, and in larger numbers. Clearly not serendipity," he added.
Regional military attaches say China has gradually stepped up deployments of H-6 bombers into the South China Sea as its military presence has grown, starting with landings on improved runways in the disputed Paracel islands in 2018.
The jet-powered H-6 is based on a Soviet-era design but has been modernised to carry an array of anti-ship and land attack cruise missiles, and some are capable of launching nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles. Similar to the U.S. B-52, the basic H-6 design dates back to the 1950s but with improved engines, modern strike weapons and on-board flight systems, it is China's key long-range bomber. The Pentagon's annual report on China's military in December said a more stealthy aircraft was probably in development.
The bombers were deployed in war game drills in October around Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, and in late December at Scarborough, as part of broader air and sea operations by the Chinese military's Southern Theatre Command.The command, which covers the South China Sea, operates two regiments of the bombers, the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies says.
The December drills were publicised, with the defence ministry saying at the time they were meant to "resolutely safeguard China's national sovereignty and security, and maintain peace in the South China Sea".
The ministry posted images of aircraft above the shoal but satellite images capturing patrols in operation are rare. The altitude at which the H-6s were flying near the shoal is not known.
Taiwan's government rejects China's sovereignty claim, saying only the island's people can decide their future.
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Reuters (English)
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3/28 |
Taiwan's defence minister dismissed on Friday China's complaints about a collision between a Taiwan navy ship and a Chinese trawler in the sensitive Taiwan Strait, vowing that Taipei would carry on military exercises undeterred.
China's Taiwan Affairs Office condemned the actions of the Taiwanese landing ship as "wicked" following Thursday's collision off Taiwan's central city of Taichung. Taiwan, however, said it did not take place in "restricted" waters. "The Taiwan Affairs Office always says things like this," Taiwan Defence Minister Wellington Koo told reporters on the sidelines of parliament. "I can only say that we will carry out the drills we should be carrying out."
Asked if the Chinese fishing boat was spying on the activities of Taiwan's navy, Koo said
it was "not really possible" for such a vessel to get any kind of detailed information on military activity.
China said it is also investigating the collision, which happened on the Taiwan side of the Strait's median line which used to unofficially demarcate the two sides' air and maritime border, but which Beijing says it does not recognise.
Taiwan's coast guard is leading an investigation into what happened, Koo said of the incident, in which there were no casualties, declining to speculate on the reason or where to attribute blame.
The Taiwan Strait is the site of daily Chinese and Taiwanese military activities, though both sides normally maintain a respectful distance and there have been no exchanges of fire for decades.
Chieh Chung, a researcher at Taipei-based think tank the Association of Strategic Foresight,said China could use the incident as a further pretext to cross the median line and send its own coast guard vessels toprotect its fishermen.
That would mean Beijing trying to further assert its legal claims to jurisdiction over the waterway, Chieh said, adding, "National security units should not take this matter lightly."
China, which claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, has ramped up its military drills around the island in recent years.
Taiwan rejects China's sovereignty claims and routinely denounces what it says are Beijing's efforts to pressure Taipei.
This week, China's Taiwan Affairs Office published a list of alleged "separatists" whose activities had been reported to a special email address, though it did not say if the reports came from people in China or Taiwan.
Taiwan Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang, whose name headed the list, told reporters on Friday she had been busy this week and had not paid much attention to it.
"I think our friends at the Taiwan Affairs Office have been very rude about our officials," she said.
China has previously encouraged people to email tip-offs about what it calls Taiwan "separatist" activity.
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Reuters (English)
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3/28 |
On March 28, Japan Self-Defense Force, in showing its joint commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a “free and open Indo-Pacific,”
conducted the joint exercise with the U.S. Navy and Philippine Navy as the Maritime Cooperative Activity by the three countries: Japan, the United States and the Philippines.
The Maritime Cooperative Activity is an activity to support freedom of navigation and freedom of overflight and to respect the rights at sea under international law as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
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Japan Joint Staff
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3/29 |
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said advanced military capabilities will be deployed to the Philippines along with joint training to increase deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Hegseth met Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro in Manila on Friday. Hegseth told reporters after the meeting that the Indo-Pacific region faces Chinese aggression.
He said the US will work with its allies and partners to "establish the deterrence necessary to prevent war."
He announced that the US will deploy the NMESIS anti-ship missile system and unmanned surface vessels. He added that these will be used in a joint exercise scheduled for April. The NMESIS system uses remotely operated vehicles to launch anti-ship missiles with a range of over 180 kilometers.
Hegseth also announced the two countries will conduct special-operations forces training
in the Batanes Islands, near Taiwan. He added they will practice complex landing scenarios to enhance interoperability between their forces.
Coinciding with his visit, ships from Japan, the United States and the Philippines, including the Japanese frigate Noshiro, carried out joint exercises in the South China Sea on Friday.
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Beijing is increasing coercive activities in the area.
NHK World (English)
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3/30 |
Press Release by Japan Ministry of Defense
On March 30, Defense Minister Nakatani and Defense Secretary Hegseth held discussions from 09:50 for approximately 85 minutes at the Ministry of Defense. The summary is as follows.
1 Overview
The Ministers shared the
views on the increasingly severe and complex security environment. The Ministers confirmed that they will demonstrate strong leadership to reinforce defense capabilities of their respective countries and work closely with each other to further strengthen the Alliance capabilities to deter and respond in order to realize a
“Free and Open Indo-Pacific” based on the concurrence between the two leaders at
Japan-U.S. summit meeting on February 7, 2025. The Ministers underscored U.S. unwavering commitment to the defense of Japan, using its full range of capabilities, including nuclear capabilities.
2 Regional Security Environment
The Ministers exchanged candid views on increasingly severe security situation in the
Indo-Pacific. Especially, with regard to China, the ministers confirmed their opposition to
any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion including in the East
and South China Seas.
The Ministers took note of activities by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) including the
military situation around Taiwan, and emphasized the importance of peace and stability
across the Taiwan Strait.
3 Further Strengthening the Alliance Capabilities to Deter and Respond
The Ministers concurred to promote various initiatives to further strengthen the Alliance
capabilities to deter and respond, with a sense of urgency and speed, in order to respond
to challenges posed by the changing security environment. The key points of the discussion
are as follows:
(1) With regard to upgrading respective command and control frameworks, the Ministers
welcomed tangible progress including the establishment of JSDF Joint Operations Command
(JJOC) and commencement of upgrade of U.S. Forces Japan as Joint Force Headquarters,
and discussed to make continued efforts to realize further effective cooperation on bilateral
activities from peacetime to contingency.
(2) To work on expansion of bilateral joint presence in the southwestern region of Japan as
one of the highest priorities of the Alliance, including enhancement of more advanced and
practical bilateral training
(3) To mutually complement and strengthen the defense industrial base of Japan and the
U.S. with regard to defense equipment and technology cooperation by accelerating initiative
on missile co-production such as AMRAAM and co-sustainment of vessels and aircraft of
U.S. forces towards the next iteration of Defense Industrial Cooperation, Acquisition,
and Sustainment (DICAS), while effectively utilizing its framework.
(4) To advance collaboration in fields of space, cyber security, and extended deterrence.
In addition, the Ministers concurred that they will continue to advance multilateral
cooperation including information sharing and operational collaboration with regional
partners namely Australia, the Philippines and the Republic of Korea, with Japan and the
U.S. at the center of such cooperation, to realize a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific”.
4 Realignment of U.S. Forces etc.
In order to maintain deterrence and mitigate the impact on local communities, the
Ministers reiterated the vital importance of the steady implementation of the realignment
of U.S. forces in Japan in accordance with the Okinawa Consolidation Plan and other existing
bilateral arrangements, such as the return of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma
including the construction of the Futenma Replacement Facility at Henoko as the only solution
that avoids the continued use of MCAS Futenma. The Ministers also concurred to advance
cooperation to prevent recurrence of incidents and accidents involving U.S. forces in Japan.
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Japan Ministry of Defense (English)
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3/30 |
Former Australian Prime Minister Morrison revealed for the first time that his country's
decision to introduce nuclear submarines was made with a view to dispatching them to
Taiwan and the waters around the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture in the event of an
emergency. He argued that Australia's possession of nuclear submarines would also
contribute to Japan's security and serve as a ‘deterrent’ against China. In an interview
with Kyodo News in Sydney, Mr. Morrison said he wanted the submarines, which have
by far the greatest range, in order to put pressure on China.
During his tenure as Prime Minister, Mr. Morrison negotiated in secret with US and UK
leaders, electrifyingly announcing the creation of the US-UK-Australia security framework
AUKUS in September 2021, which would introduce nuclear submarines to non-nuclear
Australia, and unilaterally scrapping a joint development plan with France for
conventional submarines.
In an interview on 27, Morrison pointed out that Taiwan and the Senkakus are “potential
sparks and possible conflicts”. “We pursued the ability to sail anywhere, including those
areas, if necessary”.
Mr Morrison stressed that Australia's involvement in the Taiwan contingency was “in the
national interest”.
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Kyodo News (Japanese)
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3/31 |
A major US newspaper says a secret internal guidance memo that sets out a prioritization
framework for senior Pentagon officials includes a plan to pressure allies to increase their
defense expenditures. The document also states that the US military will be reoriented,
so that preventing China from seizing Taiwan can be prioritized.
An article published by The Washington Post on Saturday contains details about the
document, which is known as the Interim National Defense Strategic Guidance. The article
says the document was distributed throughout the Defense Department in mid-March and
signed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
In the memo, Hegseth reportedly wrote, "China is the Department's sole pacing threat,
and denial of a Chinese fait accompli seizure of Taiwan -- while simultaneously defending
the US homeland is the Department's sole pacing scenario."
The document also reportedly notes that the Pentagon will only consider conflict with
Beijing when planning contingencies for a major power war. The Pentagon will apparently
leave the threat from Moscow to the European allies.
The article says that the Pentagon will "pressure allies in Europe, the Middle East and
East Asia to spend more on defense to take on the bulk of the deterrence role against
threats from Russia, North Korea and Iran."
The administration of US President Donald Trump has said that European countries
should play a greater role in dealing with the Ukraine situation.
The Trump administration also has a vision for the Indo-Pacific region. It wants Taiwan
to sharply increase its defense outlays. The administration also wants to work with Japan
and other allies to enhance deterrence against China.
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NHK World (English)
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3/31 |
On March 31, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has confirmed one Chinese
Luyang III class destroyer (hull number 123) and one Chinese Jangkai II class frigate
(hull number 576) sailing south in thewaters 100km northeast of Miyakojima Island
(Okinawa Prefecture). Then JMSDF has confirmed these vessels sailing south in the waters
between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island to the Pacific Ocean.
At a later time on the same day, JMSDF has also confirmed one Chinese Dongdiao class
Intelligence ship (hull number 796) sailing southeast in the waters 130km northeast of
Miyakojima Island (Okinawa Prefecture). Then JMSDF has confirmed this vessel sailing
southeast in the waters between the main islandof Okinawa and Miyakojima Island to the
Pacific Ocean.
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Japan Joint Staff
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4/1 |
Introduction to relevant papers
“Why the Japan Coast Guard Needs a Large, Multipurpose Patrol Vessel”
By Kentaro Furuya
Adjunct Professor, National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies
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Professor, Japan Coast Guard Academy
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4/1 |
China's military has conducted exercises around Taiwan in an apparent move to maintain
pressure on the administration of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te.
The military's Eastern Theater Command announced that its army, navy, air and rocket
forces carried out joint drills on Tuesday.
The command said a formation of vessels and planes, as well as a missile unit,
conducted the drills in waters off the north, south and east of Taiwan.
The exercises reportedly included intercepting targets midair, attacking ground and sea
targets, as well as a naval blockade.
The command said the drills serve as a stern warning and forceful deterrent against
"Taiwan independence" separatist forces. It also said the exercises were a legitimate and
necessary action to safeguard China's sovereignty.
Chinese Coast Guard vessels also reportedly patrolled around Taiwan in formation to
practice inspection and seizure procedures.
Taiwan's defense ministry said that it had detected a Chinese naval fleet, including the
aircraft carrier Shandong, operating in Taiwan's vicinity. The ministry said China continues
to expand its military activities in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region, undermining
regional security and stability.
Last month, Taiwan's President Lai described China as a "hostile external force."
China, which regards him as a pro-independence leader, sharply reacted and announced
in the same month that its military had conducted drills around Taiwan.
With such acts, China apparently has been normalizing military pressure on Taiwan's Lai
administration.
Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa said on Tuesday that the country is
keeping a close watch on how the situation develops with grave interest, and that it
conveyed its concerns to China. The top government spokesperson said peace and
stability of the Taiwan Strait is essential for members of the international community,
including Japan.
Hayashi added that Japan is taking every possible precaution in monitoring China's
activities in the air and waters around Japan.
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NHK World (English)
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4/1 |
JMSDF has confirmed four Chinese naval vessels in the waters 440 km south of
Yonagunijima Island on April 1. This squadron consisted of one Admiral Kuznetsov class
aircraft carrier Shandong (hull number 17), one Renhai class destroyer (hull number 108),
one Luyang III class destroyer (hull number 165) and one Jangkai II class frigate
(hull number 572). The Shandong (hull number 17) had conducted take-off and landing
exercises.
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Japan Joint Staff
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4/2 |
China's military held exercises around Taiwan for a second day, apparently aiming to
ramp up the pressure on the administration of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te.
The military's Eastern Theater Command announced it carried out drills in the middle
and southern areas of the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday. The announcement said the drills
were aimed at verifying capabilities for a sea blockade and precision strikes on key targets.
It also said the theater command conducted long-range live-fire drills in the East China Sea.
Taiwan's defense ministry said 76 sorties of Chinese aircraft, 15 navy ships and four other
ships were spotted around Taiwan in the 24 hours up to 6 a.m. on Wednesday. The ministry
said military aircraft entered Taiwan's air defense identification zone in its north, east and
elsewhere.
China's military calls Wednesday's operation "Strait Thunder-2025A."
China conducted large-scale military drills in May and October last year, respectively
called "Joint Sword-2024A" and "Joint Sword-2024B." This suggests the country will
continue carrying out similar exercises.
The Chinese military posted pictures and videos deemed hostile toward Lai during the
drills. China regards Taiwan's president as a pro-independence leader.
The US State Department issued a statement saying: "Once again, China's aggressive
military activities and rhetoric toward Taiwan only serve to exacerbate tensions and put the
region's security and the world'sprosperity at risk."
It added, "The United States supports peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and
opposes unilateral changes to the status quo, including through force or coercion.
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NHK World (English)
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4/2 |
The Chinese military has
released a video showing the
launch of rockets possibly
capable
of targeting Taiwan. It
carried out drills around
Taiwan on Wednesday for a
second day.
The Chinese military said
the drills, dubbed "Strait
Thunder 2025A," were
conducted in
central and southern parts of
the Taiwan Strait. It said it
was testing its naval
blockade and
precision strike capabilities.
The military also released a
video of what it said were
long-range live-fire drills
in the
East China Sea.
Some Taiwanese media
reported that the footage may
have shown a multiple rocket
launcher capable of reaching
Taiwan's main island.
The Chinese military said
its Shandong aircraft carrier
has been deployed to waters
off
Taiwan's east coast. It said
the naval and air forces
confirmed a joint naval
blockade and
cooperation across the "
island chain." China
considers this a defensive
line against the
United States.
Taiwan's defense ministry
confirmed as of Wednesday
afternoon it had spotted 31
vessels, including those of
the Shandong group and China
Coast Guard, as well as 27
fighters, drones and other
Chinese aircraft, around
Taiwan.
China's state-run media said
Wednesday's drills mark a
change from the previous day'
s
and send an important message from the military.
The latest drills are an
apparent warning to Taiwan's
President Lai Ching-te and
his
Democratic Progressive Party,
which Beijing regards as a
pro-independence force.
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NHK World (English) |
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4/2 |

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Press Release by Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs
On April 2, the 7th Japan-India Maritime Affairs Dialogue was held in Tokyo.
Mr. KASHIWABARA Yutaka, Deputy Director-General of the Southeast and Southwest Asian
Affairs Department, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Muanpuii Saiawi Joint Secretary,
Disarmament & International Security Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs, and other
relevant officials participated in the Dialogue.
1 During the dialogue, both sides discussed their assessments of the situation and regional
challenges in the Indo-Pacific. To realize a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, they concurred on
the necessity of both countries continuing close cooperation to maintain and strengthen
the maritime order based on the rule of law.
2 In addition, both countries welcomed steady progress in maritime cooperation, including
the regular conduct of joint exercises and ongoing coordination for ship maintenance in
India, and they shared views on potential areas for future collaboration.
3 Furthermore, recognizing the importance not only of bilateral cooperation but of
cooperation among like-minded countries, including Japan, India, the United States, and
Australia, both sides discussed the strengthening of coordination through multilateral
frameworks.
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Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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4/3 |
Press Release by Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (excerpt)
Attendance of Foreign Minister Iwaya at the Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs
On April 3, commencing at 4 p.m. (11 p.m. Japan time) for approximately 1 hours 50
minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting the
Kingdom of Belgium, participated in the Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs.
The overview of the meeting is as follows.
1 Foreign Minister Iwaya attended the Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs, to
which Japan has been invited for four consecutive years since 2022. Minister Iwaya
participated in the session attended by foreign ministers from 32 NATO member countries
and Indo-Pacific partners (IP4: Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Republic of Korea).
Discussions were held on security challenges across the regions, the NATO-IP4
cooperation and others.
2 The outline of the speech by Minister Iwaya at the meeting was as follows.
(1) The recent development of dialogue, and cooperation between Japan and NATO and Indo-Pacific partners (
IP4: Japan, Australia, New
Zealand, and Republic of
Korea).
demonstrates our fully shared recognition that the security of Euro-Atlantic and
IndoPacific is inseparable.
(2) As we share values, principles, and strategic interests, it is important for us to work
together to show the international community that we do not tolerate any unilateral
attempts to change the status quo by force anywhere in the world, including Russia’s
aggression against Ukraine.
(3) Regarding situations in Ukraine, diplomatic efforts, which are currently ongoing by
countries concerned for an early end to the prolonged combat, is important for leading to
an early comprehensive ceasefire, and to the achievement of and just and lasting peace,
under the solidarity of the international community.
(4) Japan strongly condemns the advancement of the military cooperation between
North Korea and Russia, including the engagement of North Korean troops deployed to
Russia in combat against Ukraine, as well as its provision of munitions and missiles,
which not only leads to further deterioration of the situation in Ukraine but also affects
the security in the Indo-Pacific region.
(5) In the Indo-Pacific region, unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force
continue and are even strengthened, including in the East China Sea and the South China
Sea.
(6) Japan is also seriously concerned about North Korea's nuclear and missile activities
which are funded by malicious cyber activities, including cryptocurrency thefts. Japan
appreciates the understanding and cooperation from NATO member countries for the
immediate resolution of the abductions issue.
(7) Japan intends to continue its efforts to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific based
on the rule of law, and will continue to work closely with NATO and its member countries,
Japan expects NATO to further engage in the Indo-Pacific.
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Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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4/3 |
From April 1 to 2, JMSDF has confirmed five Chinese naval vessels in the waters
360 km south of Yonagunijima Island (1 in the below chart) on April 1 and 330 km south
of Yonagunijima Island (2 in the below chart) on April 2.
This squadron consisted of one Admiral Kuznetsov class aircraft carrier Shandong
(hull number 17), one Renhai class destroyer (hull number 106), one Luyang III class
destroyer (hull number 165), one Jangkai II class frigate (hull number 571) and
one Type 901 fast combat support ship (hull number 905).
During this period, the Shandong (hull number 17) was confirmed to have made
approximately 70 landings and takeoffs, including approximately 40 by fighter aircraft
and 30 by helicopters.
On April 3, these Chinese naval vessels were confirmed to have sailed toward the
South China Sea.
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Japan Joint Staff
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4/3 |
The number of Chinese UAVs that Japan Ministry of Defense confirmed flying around
the Nansei Islands in the last fiscal year and scrambled Japan Air Self-Defense Force
fighter jets has increased seven-fold compared to FY2021 to 30 (including estimated cases).
The airspace flown by Chinese UAVs is also rapidly expanding to the north-east of the
main island of Okinawa. China is believed to be improving its UAV operational capabilities
with an invasion of Taiwan in mind, and the JSDF is keeping a close eye on developments.
Japan Ministry of Defense has been publicizing peculiar movements of foreign aircraft
confirmed in the vicinity of Japan. The first announcement of a flight of a single UAV
(nationality unknown) was made in FY2013. Then it announced one Chinese UAV each
in FY2017 and FY2018, followed by four in FY2021, 10 in FY2022, nine in FY2023,
and 30 in FY2024.
Not only is the number of UAVs increasing, but the areas of their flying are also
expanding. In FY 2021, two of the four UAVs flew only over the East China Sea, and the
remaining two UAVs passed between main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island,
entered the Pacific Ocean, and then reversed course and returned to the East China Sea.
In FY2024, however, four UAVs were confirmed to fly northward and approach Amami
Oshima Island (Kagoshima Prefecture) after entering the Pacific Ocean. There was also
a case that UAVs flew southward near Miyakojima Island and Yonaguni Island in Okinawa
Prefecture, and then headed for the Bashi Strait south of Taiwan. Of the 30 UAVs
announced for FY2024, 17, or about half, flew between Yonaguni Island and Taiwan,
and back and forth between the East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
The six types of Chinese UAVs have been identified so far and all were of the type
with fixed wings. All had reconnaissance capabilities, and three of them had the ability
to attack with missiles or other means. The size of most of them was about 10 meters
in length.
The Chinese military is expanding its military activities with aircrafts and naval vessels
in the sea and airspace around Japan. The increased activity of UAVs is believed to be part
of this trend.
A Defense Ministry official noted, “It is clear that the aim is to increase military pressure
on Taiwan. China will increasingly expand the area of activity of its UAVs,” he noted.
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Yomiuri Shimbun News
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4/4 |
On April 4, JMSDF has confirmed one Chinese Luyang III class destroyer
(hull number 155) and one Chinese Jangkai II class frigate (hull number 577) sailing
northwest in the waters 90km northeast of Miyakojima Island (Okinawa Prefecture).
Then JMSDF has confirmed these vessels sailing northwest in the waters between the
main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island to the East China Sea.
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Japan Joint Staff
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4/4 |
Japan Joint Staff confirmed ond Russian IL-20 ELINT flying from the continent into the
Sea of Japan on April 4. This aircraft flew southwest over the Sea of Japan, turned at
the area off Cape Kyougamisaki (Kyoto Prefecture) and flew back to the continent.
Japan Air Self-Defense Force scrambled to this Russian aircraft.
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Japan Joint Staff
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4/6 |
On the morning of April 5, two Chinese Coast Guard vessels intruded into Japan's
territorial waters off the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture, and after navigating
in Japan’s territorial waters for approximately 25 hours, both vessels left the territorial
waters by 11:00 am on 6. Japan Coast Guard continues to warn and monitor the vessels
to prevent them from intruding into Japan's territorial waters again.
According to the 11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters, around 10:00 a.m. on
April 5, two Chinese Coast Guard vessels intruded into Japan's territorial waters off
Minami-Kojima Island in the Senkaku Islands and attempted to approach a Japanese
fishing boat operating in the area.
The two vessels, both carrying guns, sailed in Japan’s territorial waters for about 25
hours, and after the Japanese fishing boat left the area, they both left the territorial
waters at about 10:50 a.m. on June 6. Japan Coast Guard continues to warn and monitor
the vessels to prevent them from intruding into Japan's territorial waters again.
This is the first time since March 24 that a Chinese Coast Guard vessel has been
observed intruding into Japanese territorial waters off the Senkaku Islands.
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NHK News (Japanese)
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4/7 |
Press Release by Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs
G7 foreign ministers’ statement on China’s large-scale military drills around Taiwan
We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United
Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European
Union, express deep concern about China’s provocative actions, particularly the recent
large-scale military drills around Taiwan.
These increasingly frequent and destabilizing activities are raising cross-Strait tensions
and put at risk global security and prosperity.
G7 members and the larger international community have an interest in the preservation
of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. We oppose any unilateral actions to
threaten such peace and stability, including by force or coercion.
G7 members continue to encourage the peaceful resolution of issues through
constructive cross-Strait dialogue.
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Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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4/7 |
Around 10:00 a.m. on April 7, four Chinese Coast Guard vessels intruded into Japan's
territorial waters off the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture. All vessels left the
territorial waters by noon, and Japan Coast Guard continues to warn and monitor the
vessels to prevent them from intruding into Japan's territorial waters again.
According to the 11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters, around 10:00 a.m. on
April 7, four Chinese Coast Guard vessels intruded into Japan's territorial waters off
Taisyo-Jima Island and Minami-Kojima Island in the Senkaku Islands. The four vessels sailed
in Japan’s territorial waters for between 1.5 and 2 hours and they all left the territorial
waters at about noon.
Japan Coast Guard continues to warn and monitor the vessels to prevent them from
intruding into Japan's territorial waters again.
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NHK News (Japanese)
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4/7 |
Russia's Supreme Prosecutor's Office announced that it has designated“ Northern
Territories Issue Association”, a Japanese organization that has conducted visa-free
exchange and other projects on the Four Northern Islands of the Northern Territories,
as an "unfavorable organization”. This is seen as part of pressure on the Japanese side
who has imposed sanctions on Russia for its military aggression against Ukraine.
On April 7, Russia's Supreme Prosecutor's Office announced that it had designated
“Northern Territories Issue Association”, a Japanese organization that has conducted
educational activities on the Northern Territories issue and visa-free exchange programs
with the Four Northern Islands, as an "unfavorable organization”. The announcement stated
that members of the organization “have publicly stated that they do not recognize Russia's
jurisdiction over the so-called ‘the Northern Territories,’” and cited the organization's
holding seminars and study groups as part of its restitution campaign, among other
reasons.
This designation will prohibit activities in Russia and the provision of information via
the Internet.
“Chishima-Habomai-Kyojusha-Renmei”, which consists of former residents of the
Northern Territories and others, have already designated as an "unfavorable organization”.
The designation of this time is seen as part of pressure on the Japanese side who has
imposed sanctions on Russia for its military aggression against Ukraine.
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NHK News (Japanese)
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4/8 |
Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi revealed at a press conference
on August 8 that in response to Russia's Supreme Prosecutor's Office’s designation of
“Northern Territories Issue Association”, an independent Japanese administrative agency,
as an “unfavorable organization,” the Japanese government has demanded that Russia
withdraw this designation. He stated, “This is extremely one-sided and unacceptable.”
He also indicated that he would continue to place emphasis on visiting the graves of
former islanders, and would seek the resumption of exchange programs.
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Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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4/8 |
Japan's annual diplomatic report points out that growing military cooperation between
Russia and North Korea not only aggravates the situation in Ukraine, but should also be of
great concern in terms of regionalsecurity around Japan.
The Diplomatic Bluebook presented at Tuesday's Cabinet meeting summarizes the
international situation and Japan's diplomacy over the past year.
The report notes the United Nations Security Council has not played its expected role
amid Russia's continued aggression toward Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East.
It adds that countries comprising the Global South are increasingly unhappy with the
global governance, and that this has led to a serious divide.
The report refers to the summit in February between Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba
Shigeru and US President Donald Trump, and stresses that Japan is committed to
deepening bilateral ties.
The bluebook notes that security in Europe, the Middle East and Indo-Pacific are closely
linked. It vows that Japan will work to bolster partnerships with the Group of Seven and
like-minded nations to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order
based on the rule of law.
On China, the report says there are many challenges and concerns, such as its
attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force. But it states that the two countries
will both make efforts to promote a mutually beneficial relationship based on common
strategic interests.
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NHK World (English)
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4/9 |
In response to the Japanese government's statement in “Japan's annual diplomatic
report” that it intends to resolve the Northern Territories issue and conclude a peace treaty,
a spokesman for the Russian presidential administration insisted that the sanctions
imposed by Japan on Russia must be lifted first.
In “Japan's annual diplomatic report” for this year, the Japanese government stated
that Japan's relations with Russia are in a difficult situation due to Russia’s invasion of
Ukraine, but that Japan "upholds the policy to conclude a peace treaty through the
resolution of the issue of the attribution of the Four Northern Islands”.
In response, Peskov, a spokesman for the Russian presidential administration, said
on April 8, "Japan is fully participating in all unfriendly and hostile measures against
Russia. While in words Japan says it wants to conclude a peace treaty, the actual
measures being taken by the Japanese leadership are something else entirely”.
He then stated that “there is no need to talk about negotiations under these
circumstances,” and insisted that the lifting of sanctions imposed by Japan on Russia in
response to its invasion of Ukraine must come first.
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NHK News (Japanese)
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4/9 |
JMSDF confirmed one Chinese Luyang III class destroyer (hull number 124), sailing
northeast 50 km southwest of Tsusima Islands (Nagasaki Prefecture) on April 7. Then
JMSDF confirmed this vessel sailing northeast to the Sea of Japan through the Tsusima
Strait.
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Japan Joint Staff
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4/10 |
Monthly Statistics on Scrambles(March)
Japan Joint Staff released its monthly statistics on scrambles. In March, Japan Air Self
Defense Force (JASDF) conducted 62 scrambles. The most scrambles are against Russian
aircrafts (37 times; the rest were against Chinese aircrafts).
Japan Joint Staff
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4/10 |
Japan Joint Staff released statistics on scramble by Japan Air Self-Defense Force in
FY2024 (between April 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025). The number of scrambles during
this period hit 704. That remained at a high level. The percentages of the number of
scrambles by target country/region were approximately 66% for Chinese aircraft,
34% for Russian aircraft, and less than 1% for others.
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Japan Joint Staff
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4/11 |
Japan Joint Staff confirmed one Chinese Y-9 patrol aircraft flying from the East China
Sea to the Pacific Ocean through the area between the main island of Okinawa and
Miyakojima Island on April 11. This aircraft then circled and turned over the Pacific Ocean
and flew back to the East China Sea through the same area.
(Red line in the below chart)
On the same day, Japan Joint Staff also confirmed one Chinese UAV (estimated) flying
from the East China Sea to the Pacific Ocean through the area between Yonaguni Island
and Taiwan. This Chinese UAV (estimated) then turned over the Pacific Ocean and flew
back to the East China Sea through the same area. (Yellow line in the below chart)
Japan Air Self-Defense Force scrambled to them.
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Japan Joint Staff
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4/11 |
On April 11, JMSDF has confirmed one Chinese Luyang III class destroyer (hull number
156) and one Chinese Jangkai II class frigate (hull number 515) sailing south in the
waters 70km west of Kume-jima Island (Okinawa Prefecture). Then JMSDF has confirmed
these vessels sailing southeast in the waters between the main island of Okinawa and
Miyakojima Island to the Pacific Ocean.
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Japan Joint Staff
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4/11 |
Press Release by Japan Joint Staff
Participation in Balikatan 25, a multilateral joint exercise by the U.S. and the Philippines
Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) will participate in the U.S.-Philippines Joint Exercise
Balikatan 25.
This is a multilateral joint exercise co-sponsored by the United States and the
Philippines. JSDF has participated in this exercise as an observer since 2012, but this is
the first time for JSDF to participate with the dispatch of naval vessels and other
equipment.
JSDF will maintain and improve its joint operational capability through this exercise
and strengthen cooperation with the U.S., the Philippines, and other participating
countries to create a desirable security environment for Japan.
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Japan Joint Staff
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4/12 |
Prosecutors in Taiwan have indicted the Chinese captain of a ship registered under the
flag of Togo for allegedly damaging an undersea communication cable. The incident took
place in waters around Taiwan in February.
The Tainan District Prosecutors Office said on Friday that the captain was charged with
contravening the telecommunications management law.
He is suspected of ordering his crew to drop anchor and sail in a zigzag, apparently to
damage a cable linking Taiwan's main island with the Penghu Islands in the Taiwan Strait.
Dropping anchor is prohibited in the area.
The captain reportedly denies the allegations and refuses to speak about the ship's
owner, who likely instructed him to carry out the act. Prosecutors maintain that it is
necessary to question him further.
But they decided not to charge the captain's seven crew members due to a lack of
evidence.
Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration does not rule out the possibility of "gray zone"
operations by China, given the nationality of the ship's crew. The term refers to
subversive activities that stop short of an armed attack.
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Japan Joint Staff
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4/14 |
JMSDF has confirmed one Chinese Dongdiao class Intelligence ship (hull number 798)
sailing southeast in the waters 60km southwest of Yokoate-Jima Island (Kagoshima
Prefecture) on April 12. Then this vessel sailed northeast in the waters between
Amami-Ohshima Island (Kagoshima Prefecture) and Yokoate-Jima Island to the
Pacific Ocean.
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Japan Joint Staff
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4/14
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JMSDF has confirmed one Chinese Luyang II class destroyer (hull number 150),
one Jangkai II class frigate (hull number 578) and one Fuchi class replenishment oilers
(hull number 886) sailing southeast in the waters 130km west of Kuchinoerabu-Jima
Island (Kagoshima Prefecture) on April 11. On April 12 these vessels crossed the Osumi
Strait and navigated to the Pacific Ocean.
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Japan Joint Staff
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