Sources: Us Forces Staged Drill Near Senkakus
NHK has learned that US Forces appear to have airdropped supplies during a drill that took place in waters near the Senkaku Islands, where Chinese ships navigate on a regular basis.
Japanese defense sources say US Forces initially planned a drill involving troops by transport plane.
Sources say just prior to the exercise that took place on February 17, Japan's Self-Defense Forces were informed of the plan.
They say troops on board the transport plane that flew over the Senkakus did not actually get off the plane, but supplies were dropped into the nearby waters.
They say they do not know if the two events are related in any way, but they say a Chinese fighter jet approached the Senkakus on the same day, prompting Japan's Air Self-Defense Force jets to scramble.
A Chinese naval ship navigating near the area also appears to have attempted to approach the islands.
It is quite unusual for US troops to carry out a military exercise in waters near the Senkakus. Sources view the move as a way of stepping up engagement in the region as US-China frictions deepen.
Japan controls the islands. The Japanese government maintains the islands are an inherent part of Japan's territory. China and Taiwan claim them.