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Egypt Independent
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
China, North Korea and Russia represent biggest security challenge since World War II, Japan says
Seoul, South Korea CNN — Japan is facing its most severe security environment since World War II as three potential adversaries in East Asia – China, Russia and North Korea – ramp up military activities in the region, the country's defense minister said Tuesday. 'The existing order of world peace is being seriously challenged, and Japan finds itself in the most severe and complex security environment of the post-war era,' Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said in an introduction to the ministry's annual defense white paper. China's military activities present 'an unprecedented and the greatest strategic challenge' to Japan, the report said. Beijing is 'rapidly enhancing its military capability in a qualitative and quantitative manner' while 'intensifying' activities around the region, Nakatani said, specifically mentioning the Senkaku Islands, a chain in the East China Sea that Tokyo controls but which is also claimed by Beijing, which calls them the Diaoyus. An aerial photo shows Chinese marine surveillance ship Haijian No. 66 (top) trying to approach a Japanese fishing boat (bottom) as Japan Coast Guard vessel Ishigaki cruises next to the Chinese ship, in the East China Sea, near what are known as the Senkaku isles in Japan and the Diaoyu islands in China, in this photo taken on April 23, 2013. Kyodo/Reuters The 34-page document gives a dire outlook on the future of the region, especially on the rivalry between China and the United States, Tokyo's most important ally. 'The global balance of power is shifting dramatically and competition among states continues. In particular, the inter-state competition between the United States and China is likely to intensify even further in future,' the white paper says. The paper says escalating Chinese military activity around the democratically controlled island of Taiwan poses a threat. 'China seeks to create a fait accompli where the People's Liberation Army (PLA) is operating, and improve its actual combat capabilities,' it says. It cites a similar situation in the South China Sea and says PLA actions there are a legitimate Japanese concern because Tokyo has major sea lanes running through the waterway. Jiang Bin, a spokesperson for China's Defense Ministry, said Wednesday that Japan was 'hyping up the 'China threat,' and grossly interfering in China's internal affairs.' 'The Japanese side is fabricating false narratives to find excuses for loosening its military constraints,' Jiang said, referring to Japan's strict post-war constitution, which limits its military forces to self-defense only. And Japan's invocation of World War II is controversial in a region where fissures over Tokyo's devastating militarism during the period sour relations with many of its neighbors to this day. 'We urge the Japanese side to deeply learn from history, cease slandering and accusing China,' Jiang said. But the Japanese paper didn't only focus on Beijing's unilateral actions. A group of disputed islands, Uotsuri island (top), Minamikojima (bottom) and Kitakojima, known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China is seen in the East China Sea, in this photo taken on September 2012. Kyodo/Reuters Russia and North Korea As part of its expanded activities, the PLA is increasing cooperation with Russian armed forces, including joint bomber flights and naval patrols near Japan, the paper says. 'These repeated joint activities are clearly intended for demonstration of force against Japan,' it says. The report says that in the past fiscal year Japanese fighter jets scrambled 704 times, including 464 times in response to approaching Chinese aircraft and 237 times for Russian aircraft, a rate of almost two scrambles a day. Russia's three-and-a-half-year-old invasion of Ukraine, along with the buildup in the Russian military that has come with it, is a worry for Japan, especially because of its status as a key US ally, the report says. 'The security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific is inseparable,' it says, and warns that a Ukraine-like war is possible in the region – without specifically mentioning where that might occur. The report says some of Russia's newest military hardware has been deployed to the Pacific. Moscow has added troops, missiles and warplanes to islands north of Japan, which the Soviet Union took toward the end of World War II, but which Japan says are sovereign Japanese territory illegally occupied now by Russia. North Korea, meanwhile, is further developing nuclear weapons and the ballistic missiles to deliver them, the report says. Pyongyang's ballistic missiles, believed to be capable of carrying nuclear warheads, can cover the entirety of the Japanese archipelago, it says. 'North Korea's military activities are posing an even more grave and imminent threat to Japan's security than ever before,' the paper says. The Japanese paper echoed many of the concerns the head of the US military's Indo-Pacific Command, Adm. Samuel Paparo, voiced in a posture paper in April. 'China continues to pursue unprecedented military modernization and increasingly aggressive behavior that threatens the U.S. homeland, our allies, and our partners,' Paparo said. The US commander also said the deepening cooperation between China and Russia as well as North Korea presents an increasing threat in the Pacific. 'Together, these countries' growing ties create a complex, interconnected challenge to U.S. national security and regional stability,' Paparo said. CNN's Joyce Jiang contributed to this report.
The Diplomat
15-07-2025
- Politics
- The Diplomat
Japan's Defense White Paper Sounds Alarm Over China's ‘Gray Zone' Activities
For the first time, the annual white paper expressed Japan's concern over the expanding military role of the China Coast Guard. This handout photo, provided by the Japan Coast Guard, shows a China Coast Guard vessel and a helicopter within the territorial waters of the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands on May 3 2025. In its latest defense white paper, Tokyo for the first time sounded the alarm over China's 'gray zone' activities – particularly the expanding role of the China Coast Guard, which is strengthening its cooperation with the Chinese military. 'The Chinese military and the China Coast Guard have been conducting joint navigation and joint training. This strengthening of cooperation between the military and the People's Armed Police, including the China Coast Guard, is thought to be intended to improve operational capabilities in gray zone situations,' the annual defense white paper, titled 'Defense of Japan 2025,' pointed out. The 'gray zone' refers to a wide range of ambiguous situations that blur the boundaries of peacetime and wartime. 'In a gray-zone situation, for example, a country that confronts another over territory, sovereignty or maritime and other economic interests uses some forceful organization to demonstrate its presence in the relevant disputed region in a bid to alter the status quo or force other countries to accept its assertions or demands,' the Japanese defense paper, published on July 15, explained. Gray zone situations also include hybrid warfare, such as cyber attacks and cognitive warfare, which intentionally blur the line between military and non-military activities. 'The so-called gray-zone situations harbor the risk of rapidly developing into graver situations without showing clear indications,' the white paper said. The report noted that the People's Armed Police Force (PAP), a paramilitary force generally tasked with both internal security and support for the People's Liberation Army (PLA), has the China Coast Guard under its umbrella. The CCG is said to be the world's largest maritime law enforcement agency. 'In recent years, the China Coast Guard's vessels have become larger and more armed. At the end of December 2024, the China Coast Guard possessed 161 ships with full load displacement of 1,000 tons or more, including two 10,000-ton-class patrol ships, among the world's largest ones,' the paper stated. The annual report noted the increasing number of military exercises by the Chinese military around Taiwan as part of its concern over gray zone activities: There is growing concern over China's pursuit of unification through gray-zone military activities. Some point out that military intimidation, blockades, and other such means are currently China's main options to be used against Taiwan. In the event of a blockade of Taiwan, there is a possibility that China will deploy its coast guard at the forefront to carry out the blockade within the gray zone. The defense white paper pointed out, 'In the Chinese military's exercises around Taiwan, it is believed that some military operations aimed at the unification of Taiwan, including an invasion operation against Taiwan, may be being rehearsed.' It's the first time Japan's public defense report has raised such a concern. It described a case in which China started military exercises on May 23, 2024, just three days after Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te gave his inauguration speech. At that time, China publicly announced for the first time that the China Coast Guard had been active in the waters east of Taiwan. Furthermore, the paper noted that 'during the exercise in October 2024, Chinese Coast Guard vessels sailed around Taiwan, and the activities of the Coast Guard have been expanding, suggesting that China may be placing greater importance on the role of the Coast Guard in creating so-called gray zone situations.' Regarding Chinese military movements in the sea and airspace around Japan, like last year's edition, this year's defense white paper pointed out: The Chinese Navy and Air Force have in recent years expanded and intensified their activities in the surrounding sea areas and airspace of Japan, including the area surrounding the Senkaku Islands. These activities include those allegedly based on China's unilateral claim on the Senkaku Islands, and cases involving the one-sided escalation of activities, creating a situation of great concern to Japan. The Senkaku Islands, which are administered by Japan, are also claimed by China as the Diaoyu Islands. The paper cited the first-ever intrusion into Japan's airspace by a Chinese military aircraft off the coast of Nagasaki Prefecture in August 2024, and the first voyage of the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning between Yonaguni Island and Iriomote Island in Okinawa Prefecture in September of the same year. 'China's active military activities have reached a situation that could have a serious impact on the security of our country, and this is of strong concern,' the white paper said, the first time it has used such language. On North Korea, the defense report said Pyongyang is clearly continuing to pursue the development and improvement of its offensive capabilities, including hypersonic weapons, in an attempt to penetrate missile defense networks. Based on conical and flat warheads that have been confirmed, the white paper continued, there is a possibility that North Korea is planning to develop hypersonic weapons with different ranges and flight patterns by developing different warheads in parallel, in order to complicate the enemy's response. The report urged Tokyo to keep a close eye on North Korea's technological advances. The white paper also noted that Pyongyang appears to continue developing nuclear weapons using highly enriched uranium in addition to plutonium. The white paper addressed the recent close relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang. It noted that North Korea has been providing weapons and ammunition, including ballistic missiles, to Russia since 2023, and that in October 2024, North Korean soldiers were confirmed to have been deployed to Russia, and that these soldiers have now participated in combat against Ukraine. The 2024 version of Japan's defense white paper did not mention North Korean soldiers participating in the war in Ukraine. The Chinese government quickly responded to Japan's latest defense white paper. At a press conference on July 15, Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, expressed 'strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition' to the paper, claiming that it had incited the threat of China based on 'erroneous perceptions.' He said that the Chinese government had lodged a protest with the Japanese side.
The Hindu
12-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
ICG, Japan Coast Guard conclude joint exercise ‘JA-MATA' off Chennai coast
Japan Coast Guard (JCG) Training Ship Itsukushima concluded its week-long port call to Chennai as part of its Global Ocean Voyage Training on Saturday. According to the Indian Coast Guard, the visit culminated on July 12 with a joint sea exercise named JA-MATA (Japanese for 'we will meet again') conducted off the coast of Chennai. The exercise included coordinated manoeuvres such as boarding operations, station keeping, and firefighting drills—symbolising operational synergy and preparedness. ICG said that the ship, carrying over 50 trainee officers, undertook this visit to gain exposure to international maritime operations and enhance cooperation between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and JCG. During the five-day visit, the trainee officers and crew were hosted at various ICG facilities in Chennai, offering them valuable insights into the multifaceted operations of ICG. The interaction helped in professional exchange and mutual learning across all levels of personnel, said ICG. Vice Admiral Kanosue Hiroaki, Vice Commandant (Operations), Japan Coast Guard, led the delegation and participated in a range of professional and cultural engagements, including reciprocal visits and official calls. On July 7, the delegation called on Paramesh Sivamani, Director General, Indian Coast Guard, further cementing the long-standing ties between the two maritime forces, it said. These engagements are in alignment with the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) signed between India and Japan in 2006 and are part of ongoing capacity-building initiatives that underscore both nations' commitment to ensuring safety and security in the maritime domain.
India Gazette
12-07-2025
- General
- India Gazette
Japan Coast Guard Ship Itsukushima concludes successful visit to Chennai as part of global ocean voyage training
New Delhi [India], July 12 (ANI): Japan Coast Guard (JCG) Training Ship Itsukushima concluded a fruitful port call to Chennai from July 7 to 12 as part of its Global Ocean Voyage Training. The ship, carrying over 50 trainee officers, undertook this visit to gain exposure to international maritime operations and enhance cooperation between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and JCG, according to a PRO statement. During the five-day visit, the trainee officers and crew were hosted at various ICG facilities in Chennai, providing them with valuable insights into the multifaceted operations of the ICG. The interaction offered an enriching platform for professional exchange and mutual learning across all levels of personnel. According to a press statement, Vice Admiral Kanosue Hiroaki, Vice Commandant (Operations), Japan Coast Guard, led the delegation and participated in a range of professional and cultural engagements, including reciprocal visits and official calls. On 7th July, the delegation called on Director General Paramesh Sivamani, AVSM, PTM, TM, Director General Indian Coast Guard, further cementing the long-standing ties between the two maritime forces. These engagements are in alignment with the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) signed between India and Japan in 2006 and are part of ongoing capacity-building initiatives that underscore both nations' commitment to ensuring safety and security in the maritime domain. The visit culminated on 12th July with a joint sea exercise named JA-MATA (Japanese for 'we will meet again') conducted off the coast of Chennai. The exercise included coordinated manoeuvres such as boarding operations, station-keeping, and firefighting drills symbolising operational synergy and preparedness. The visit and associated activities were meticulously coordinated by Headquarters, Coast Guard Region East, under the leadership of Inspector General Datwinder Singh Saini, TM, Commander, Coast Guard Region (East). The camaraderie and shared spirit witnessed during the visit reinforce the deepening cooperation between the two Coast Guards in pursuit of a common goal: ensuring secure and peaceful seas. (ANI)
Hans India
09-07-2025
- General
- Hans India
Japan Coast Guard ship Itsukushima arrives in Chennai
Visakhapatnam: Japan Coast Guard (JCG) Ship Itsukushima arrived at Chennai Port for a six-day-long goodwill visit. Commanded by Captain Naoki Mizoguchi, the ship arrived at Chennai Port on July 7 as part of its global ocean voyage training programme. The training aims to strengthen regional ties through cultural exchange, reinforcing the strategic partnership between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and JCG in the Indo-Pacific Region. Along with joint professional and cultural exchanges and a sea exercise, the weeklong port call includes high-level bilateral meetings aimed at boosting interoperability between the two forces. The visit reaffirms the deep bond between the ICG and JCG. During the port call, crew members will engage in courtesy calls, reciprocal ship visits, joint training sessions, yoga, and sporting events, culminating in a joint sea exercise 'Jaa Mata' (see you later) on July 12. As a symbol of growing cooperation, four ICG officers will sail onboard Itsukushima to Singapore as sea riders, continuing the tradition of professional exchange. This engagement builds on the 2006 memorandum of cooperation between India and Japan aligned with India's Security and Growth for All in the Region vision and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
