Kishi Expresses Concern About New Chinese Law
Japanese Defense Minister Kishi Nobuo has expressed concern about a new Chinese law which allows the country's coast guard to use weapons.
Kishi was taking part in an international video conference held by a Canadian think-tank on Saturday.
The minister commented on China's new coast guard law which authorizes its coast guard to use weapons in waters Beijing considers to be under its jurisdiction.
Kishi said the law does not specify areas where the order can be applied or how the authorization will be given. He said that the law is problematic as it includes stipulations that are inconsistent with international law.
He said that Japan will never accept a situation where China's actions raise tensions in the East and South China Seas.
Kishi said that Japan will convey grave concerns that people in the region have to the world and cooperate with other countries.
He also expressed concern about China's rapid military modernization that has given the country an advantage over Taiwan in terms of military balance.
He said that Tokyo wants to develop relations with Canada, which shares the same values with Japan, and maintain and strengthen a free and open Indo-Pacific.