Japan's defense minister: Govt. contacts China over aircraft carriers' activity
Japan's Defense Minister Nakatani Gen says the government has asked China for consideration following the dispatch of both of its aircraft carriers to the Pacific Ocean.
The Japanese Defense Ministry announced on Monday that the Liaoning and the Shandong, which are China's only two active aircraft carriers, were spotted near Japan between Saturday and Monday. The ministry said it was the first time the two carriers have simultaneously entered the Pacific.
Speaking to reporters after a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Nakatani said the ministry suspects that China's navy is trying to improve the operational capabilities of the warships, including their long-range functions.
He added that the government has used a diplomatic channel to convey to China a request not to make its naval activities a threat to Japan's security.
The defense minister also said the government will continue its caution and surveillance of the situation and will disclose relevant information appropriately. He added that the government also continues to demonstrate its will and capacity to prevent any attempt to change the status quo unilaterally and by force.
Nakatani indicated that the government is planning to deploy a mobile surveillance radar system on remote islands in the Pacific.
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