Japan‘s defense ministry has criticized China for its “unacceptable” conduct after a Chinese aircraft carrier entered Japanese contiguous waters on September 18. The Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning, accompanied by two destroyers, sailed between the southwestern Japanese islands of Yonaguni and Iriomote. According to the United Nations, a contiguous zone extends 24 nautical miles from a country’s territorial sea and allows the country to exert certain controls related to customs and immigration.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Japanese Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiroshi Moriya expressed Tokyo’s ”serious concerns” to China through diplomatic channels. He described the incident as “utterly unacceptable from the perspective of Japan’s security environment and that of the region.” Moriya emphasized that Japan will closely monitor Chinese naval vessels’ activities in its waters and take all necessary measures for information gathering, vigilance, and surveillance.
Moriya highlighted that this is the first time a Chinese aircraft carrier has entered Japan’s contiguous waters. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s foreign ministry stated that this arms sale is the 16th military deal authorized by the Biden administration. Given China’s frequent use of gray-zone tactics to intimidate Taiwan and other countries in the region, Taiwan remains determined to protect itself.
The U.S.-Taiwan Business Council also welcomed this arms sale as it supports Taiwan’s military sustainment through servicing parts for aircraft and related systems. This consistent trend over almost four years demonstrates how the U.S. provides munitions and sustainment in relatively small value tranches.
