Japan has slammed the first-ever incursion of a Chinese aircraft into its airspace by calling it "unacceptable" and a&nbsp;"serious violation" of its sovereignty.&nbsp;

The incursion took place on Monday (Aug 26) for a two-minute period around 11:29 am (0229 GMT) near the uninhabited Danjo Islands, which prompted the Japanese authorities to scramble its fighter jets in the region.&nbsp;

“The violation of our country's airspace by Chinese military aircraft is not only a serious violation of our country's sovereignty, but also a threat to our safety, and we consider it utterly unacceptable,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told a news conference.

The Danjo Islands are a group of&nbsp;small islets, located&nbsp;in the East China Sea off Japan's southern Nagasaki region, and are not disputed territory.

“We understand that this is the first confirmed and announced airspace incursion by a Chinese military aircraft since we started the anti-airspace incursion measures," he added.

Tokyo said China's military activities in recent years near its territory had started to increase, prompting the government to keep an even closer eye.&nbsp;

“The government will continue to watch China's military activities with keen interest, and will take all possible measures to ensure vigilant surveillance and prevent airspace violations."

According to experts, China may have been probing Japan's air defence network and seeking intelligence as Tokyo extends&nbsp;its cooperation with the US and other countries in the volatile region.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinas-y-9-reconnaissance-plane-flew-over-japans-danjo-islands-753518">Watch |&nbsp;China's Y-9 Reconnaissance Plane flew over Japan's Danjo Islands</a>

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<h2>China issues statement&nbsp;</h2>

More than 24 hours after the incident, China issued a statement saying it had "no intention"&nbsp;of violating foreign airspace.

The statement came after US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan arrived in Beijing on Tuesday. According to reports, the issue might be brought up as Japan is Washington's closest ally in the region.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The incursion comes against the backdrop of Chinese vessels and their repeated maritime provocations near disputed islands in the East China Sea - escalating regional tension.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-broadcaster-nhk-apologises-for-staffer-claiming-senkaku-islands-as-chinese-territory-751978">Also read |&nbsp;Japanese broadcaster NHK apologises for staffer claiming Senkaku Islands as ‘Chinese territory’</a>

Prior to Monday's incursion, China had sent its aircraft into&nbsp;Japanese territorial airspace on just two occasions.

The first instance came in 2012 when a&nbsp;propeller plane was detected, and another time in 2017 involving a small drone — occurred near the Japanese-controlled Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. Notably, China claims the Senkaku Islands as its own and calls it&nbsp;the Diaoyu.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Japan has slammed the first-ever incursion of a Chinese aircraft into its airspace by calling it "unacceptable" and a "serious violation" of its sovereignty. The incursion took place on Monday (Aug 26) for a two-minute period around 11:29 am (0229 GMT) near the uninhabited Danjo Islands, which prompted the Japanese authorities to scramble its fighter jets in the region.

Japan has slammed the first-ever incursion of a Chinese aircraft into its airspace by calling it "unacceptable" and a "serious violation" of its sovereignty. The incursion took place on Monday (Aug 26) for a two-minute period around 11:29 am (0229 GMT) near the uninhabited Danjo Islands, which prompted the Japanese authorities to scramble its fighter jets in the region. “The violation of our country's airspace by Chinese military aircraft is not only a serious violation of our country's sovereignty, but also a threat to our safety, and we consider it utterly unacceptable,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told a news conference. The Danjo Islands are a group of small islets, located in the East China Sea off Japan's southern Nagasaki region, and are not disputed territory. “We understand that this is the first confirmed and announced airspace incursion by a Chinese military aircraft since we started the anti-airspace incursion measures," he added. Tokyo said China's military activities in recent years near its territory had started to increase, prompting the government to keep an even closer eye. “The government will continue to watch China's military activities with keen interest, and will take all possible measures to ensure vigilant surveillance and prevent airspace violations." According to experts, China may have been probing Japan's air defence network and seeking intelligence as Tokyo extends its cooperation with the US and other countries in the volatile region. Watch | China's Y-9 Reconnaissance Plane flew over Japan's Danjo Islands × China issues statement More than 24 hours after the incident, China issued a statement saying it had "no intention" of violating foreign airspace. The statement came after US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan arrived in Beijing on Tuesday. According to reports, the issue might be brought up as Japan is Washington's closest ally in the region. The incursion comes against the backdrop of Chinese vessels and their repeated maritime provocations near disputed islands in the East China Sea - escalating regional tension. Also read | Japanese broadcaster NHK apologises for staffer claiming Senkaku Islands as ‘Chinese territory’ Prior to Monday's incursion, China had sent its aircraft into Japanese territorial airspace on just two occasions. The first instance came in 2012 when a propeller plane was detected, and another time in 2017 involving a small drone — occurred near the Japanese-controlled Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. Notably, China claims the Senkaku Islands as its own and calls it the Diaoyu. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan slams China for incursion of military aircraft into its territory, Beijing responds

The Japanese government on Friday (Dec 16) approved a major $320 billion military overhaul. This is one of the most significant defence money invested in decades by Japan, which for long has been a pacifist country.

The cabinet also described Beijing as "the greatest strategic challenge ever to securing the peace and stability of Japan," and a "serious concern" for the country.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/why-india-must-use-its-trade-lever-to-match-military-muscle-after-chinas-border-bluster-543209">Also read |&nbsp;Why India must use its trade lever to match military muscle after China's border bluster</a>

Prime Minister&nbsp;Fumio Kishida last week said, "Fundamentally strengthening our defence capabilities is the most urgent challenge in this severe security environment."

According to the defence documents, the present missile interception systems are insufficient and a "counter capacity is necessary." However, the documents ruled&nbsp;out the preemptive strikes and stated that the country is committed to "an exclusively defence-oriented policy."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-threats-from-china-north-korea-japan-set-to-radically-overhaul-defence-policy-542945">Also read |&nbsp;Amid threats from China &amp; North Korea, Japan to announce radical overhaul of defence policy</a>

The country vowed to spend two per cent of the GDP by 2027 on national security. It pledged to reshape its military command, and acquire new missiles for better enemy launches, AFP reported.

Polls suggested that Japan's shift amid concerns over China's growing military-geopolitical powers and&nbsp;North Korea's recent missile tests.&nbsp;

The government worries that Russia might encourage China to attack Taiwan and neighbouring Japanese islands.

To improve its counterstrike capability, Japan is expected to upgrade its existing current weaponry including buying US-made Tomahawk missiles.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Japanese government on Friday (Dec 16) approved a major $320 billion military overhaul. This is one of the most significant defence money invested in decades by Japan, which for long has been a pacifist country.

The Japanese government on Friday (Dec 16) approved a major $320 billion military overhaul. This is one of the most significant defence money invested in decades by Japan, which for long has been a pacifist country. The cabinet also described Beijing as "the greatest strategic challenge ever to securing the peace and stability of Japan," and a "serious concern" for the country. Also read | Why India must use its trade lever to match military muscle after China's border bluster Prime Minister Fumio Kishida last week said, "Fundamentally strengthening our defence capabilities is the most urgent challenge in this severe security environment." According to the defence documents, the present missile interception systems are insufficient and a "counter capacity is necessary." However, the documents ruled out the preemptive strikes and stated that the country is committed to "an exclusively defence-oriented policy." Also read | Amid threats from China & North Korea, Japan to announce radical overhaul of defence policy The country vowed to spend two per cent of the GDP by 2027 on national security. It pledged to reshape its military command, and acquire new missiles for better enemy launches, AFP reported. Polls suggested that Japan's shift amid concerns over China's growing military-geopolitical powers and North Korea's recent missile tests. The government worries that Russia might encourage China to attack Taiwan and neighbouring Japanese islands. To improve its counterstrike capability, Japan is expected to upgrade its existing current weaponry including buying US-made Tomahawk missiles. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Japan approves $320bn defence overhaul, says China poses 'greatest strategic threat' 

As China and Japan celebrate 50 years of normalised diplomatic ties amid rising tensions, the relationship remains complicated and often contradictory.

In 1972, Japanese Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka and Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai signed the treaty to terminate the state of war between them and establish diplomatic relations.

From the legacy of Japan's wartime occupation of part of China to conflict over regional influence, ties between them have long been strained.

After US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, Beijing launched missiles near Taiwan and into Japan's exclusive economic zone.

Taiwan, which happens to be a former Japanese colony, is currently self-ruled but claimed by China. Another bone of contention is the Senkaku Islands located in the East China Sea which have been claimed by both countries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-is-behaving-very-badly-on-taiwan-says-china-504064">Also read |&nbsp;Japan is 'behaving very badly on Taiwan', says China</a>

While Japan says it owns them under international law, China insists they were stolen by Japan in 1985. The dispute persists and fishing boats from both sides routinely clash in the waters of these islands.

With Japan joining Western allies to oppose Russia and China avoiding criticising Moscow at any cost, the war in Ukraine has further deepened the divide.

Following a two-year hiatus, the Japan-China Exchange Festival returned last weekend and despite tense political ties organisers hope it will help restart cultural exchange.

Shortly before the anniversary of Japan’s surrender at the end of World War II, Chinese police detained a woman posing for photos in a kimono in a Japanese-style commercial area in the city of Suzhou in August.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-may-deploy-1000-long-range-missiles-to-counter-china-report-508820">Also read |&nbsp;Japan may deploy 1,000 long-range missiles to counter China: Report</a>

Watch this report:&nbsp;

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With some accusing the woman of hurting the feelings of the Chinese people close to a wartime anniversary, and others saying that love for Japanese culture doesn’t make a person unpatriotic, the incident sparked a heated discussion online.

Because of his association with nationalists who deny or minimize the atrocities committed by Japan’s military in China, tens of thousands of people left unfavourable comments about former Japanese leader Shinzo Abe after his assassination in July.

The world's second and third-largest economies, which are considered vital to Asia's stability and prosperity, did a total volume of trades worth $372 billion in 2021.

In the last 25 years, China's exports to Japan have risen by 7 per cent annually and have gone from $22.5 billion in 1995 to over $133 billion in 2020.

Before the coronavirus pandemic broke out, Japan and China also enjoyed incredible people-to-people ties.&nbsp;

The number of people travelling to China from Japan stood at 12 million. While Tokyo welcomed nearly 10 million visitors from the mainland. This is the highest number among all foreign visitors to the two countries.

In the last 50 years, Japan and China have signed more than 250 friendship city agreements. Besides this, both countries are a part of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and Beijing-Tokyo Forum.

While 66 per cent of Chinese have a negative image of Japan, 90 per cent of Japanese felt the same way about China as per a survey last year by the Japanese think tank Genron NPO.

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&nbsp;

As China and Japan celebrate 50 years of normalised diplomatic ties amid rising tensions, the relationship remains complicated and often contradictory. In 1972, Japanese Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka and Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai signed the treaty to terminate the state of war between them and establish diplomatic relations.

As China and Japan celebrate 50 years of normalised diplomatic ties amid rising tensions, the relationship remains complicated and often contradictory. In 1972, Japanese Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka and Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai signed the treaty to terminate the state of war between them and establish diplomatic relations. From the legacy of Japan's wartime occupation of part of China to conflict over regional influence, ties between them have long been strained. After US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, Beijing launched missiles near Taiwan and into Japan's exclusive economic zone. Taiwan, which happens to be a former Japanese colony, is currently self-ruled but claimed by China. Another bone of contention is the Senkaku Islands located in the East China Sea which have been claimed by both countries. Also read | Japan is 'behaving very badly on Taiwan', says China While Japan says it owns them under international law, China insists they were stolen by Japan in 1985. The dispute persists and fishing boats from both sides routinely clash in the waters of these islands. With Japan joining Western allies to oppose Russia and China avoiding criticising Moscow at any cost, the war in Ukraine has further deepened the divide. Following a two-year hiatus, the Japan-China Exchange Festival returned last weekend and despite tense political ties organisers hope it will help restart cultural exchange. Shortly before the anniversary of Japan’s surrender at the end of World War II, Chinese police detained a woman posing for photos in a kimono in a Japanese-style commercial area in the city of Suzhou in August. Also read | Japan may deploy 1,000 long-range missiles to counter China: Report Watch this report: × With some accusing the woman of hurting the feelings of the Chinese people close to a wartime anniversary, and others saying that love for Japanese culture doesn’t make a person unpatriotic, the incident sparked a heated discussion online. Because of his association with nationalists who deny or minimize the atrocities committed by Japan’s military in China, tens of thousands of people left unfavourable comments about former Japanese leader Shinzo Abe after his assassination in July. The world's second and third-largest economies, which are considered vital to Asia's stability and prosperity, did a total volume of trades worth $372 billion in 2021. In the last 25 years, China's exports to Japan have risen by 7 per cent annually and have gone from $22.5 billion in 1995 to over $133 billion in 2020. Before the coronavirus pandemic broke out, Japan and China also enjoyed incredible people-to-people ties. The number of people travelling to China from Japan stood at 12 million. While Tokyo welcomed nearly 10 million visitors from the mainland. This is the highest number among all foreign visitors to the two countries. In the last 50 years, Japan and China have signed more than 250 friendship city agreements. Besides this, both countries are a part of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and Beijing-Tokyo Forum. While 66 per cent of Chinese have a negative image of Japan, 90 per cent of Japanese felt the same way about China as per a survey last year by the Japanese think tank Genron NPO. Watch WION's live TV here: ×

After 50 years of complicated ties, are Japan and China friends or foes?

According to reports, Japan scrambled fighter jets 1,004 times last year against approaching aircraft.

Japan's defence ministry said the heightened air activity was due to China's reported incursions. The ministry informed the Japanese jets were scambled on 725 occasions a year earlier.&nbsp;

Japan scrambled its jets 722 times against incoming Chinese aircraft up from 458 a year earlier. The Japanese defence minister said China had "rapidly developed unmanned aircraft".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tensions-may-flare-up-in-koreas-as-us-japan-navies-carry-out-drills-470738">Also Read:&nbsp;Tensions in Koreas as US, Japan navies carry out drills in region</a>

Russia was ranked second in air incursions into Japan with Japanese jets being scrambled 266 times to thwart the aggressive threat.&nbsp;

Japan's defence&nbsp;minister Nobuo Kishi said that&nbsp;"intensified activities" by Chinese jets were mainly for "intelligence gathering" which had become "diversified and sophisticated." The minister added Russia maintained its activities&nbsp;despite the Ukraine war which is currently underway.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;&nbsp;US, Japan strengthen defence ties, deal to counter hypersonic threats

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Japan's Southwestern Air Defense Force which controls the Okinawa prefecture was involved 652 times during the Chinese air incursions in 2021. The air defence zone also overseas the disputed Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea.

The ministry informed that China Coast Guard ships have also repeatedly intruded into its territorial waters along Senkakus which China calls Diaoyu.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-youtubers-in-japan-make-nowar-plea-467142">Also Read:&nbsp;Ukrainian YouTubers in Japan make #NoWar plea</a>

The Japanese ministry confirmed that Chinese and Russian bombers had conducted joint flights over the Sea of Japan in November including in the East China Sea and the Pacific.

(With inputs from Agencies)

According to reports, Japan scrambled fighter jets 1,004 times last year against approaching aircraft. Japan's defence ministry said the heightened air activity was due to China's reported incursions.

According to reports, Japan scrambled fighter jets 1,004 times last year against approaching aircraft. Japan's defence ministry said the heightened air activity was due to China's reported incursions. The ministry informed the Japanese jets were scambled on 725 occasions a year earlier. Japan scrambled its jets 722 times against incoming Chinese aircraft up from 458 a year earlier. The Japanese defence minister said China had "rapidly developed unmanned aircraft". Also Read: Tensions in Koreas as US, Japan navies carry out drills in region Russia was ranked second in air incursions into Japan with Japanese jets being scrambled 266 times to thwart the aggressive threat. Japan's defence minister Nobuo Kishi said that "intensified activities" by Chinese jets were mainly for "intelligence gathering" which had become "diversified and sophisticated." The minister added Russia maintained its activities despite the Ukraine war which is currently underway. Watch: US, Japan strengthen defence ties, deal to counter hypersonic threats Japan's Southwestern Air Defense Force which controls the Okinawa prefecture was involved 652 times during the Chinese air incursions in 2021. The air defence zone also overseas the disputed Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. The ministry informed that China Coast Guard ships have also repeatedly intruded into its territorial waters along Senkakus which China calls Diaoyu. Also Read: Ukrainian YouTubers in Japan make #NoWar plea The Japanese ministry confirmed that Chinese and Russian bombers had conducted joint flights over the Sea of Japan in November including in the East China Sea and the Pacific. (With inputs from Agencies)

Japan scrambled jets over 1,000 times amid Chinese, Russian air activity

China and Japan have reached an agreement to establish a hotline for their disputes over Taiwan and the South China Sea.

Japan's Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi held a two-hour video conference with his Chinese counterpart Wei Fenghe and expressed his grave concerns over Chinese coast guard ships activities in waters surrounding the Japanese administered Senkaku Islands.

The Diaoyu islands, also known as Senkaku islands have long been an object of a territorial dispute between Beijing and&nbsp;Tokyo.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/analysis-with-an-eye-on-china-japans-ruling-party-makes-unprecedented-defence-spending-pledge-420812">Also read |&nbsp;Analysis: With an eye on China, Japan's ruling party makes unprecedented defence spending pledge</a>

Japan's Defence Ministry released after the ministers' meeting stating "Minister Kishi delivered that Japan opposes attempts of unilateral change to the status quo by coercion and that Japan possesses grave concerns against such actions, while pointing out individual events such as activities by People's Liberation Army and China Coast Guard vessels."

"China will firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. The two sides should focus on the overall interests of bilateral relations and strive to maintain stability in the East China Sea," said a release from the Defence Ministry.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-tensions-rise-with-japan-china-reasserts-diaoyus-claim-with-island-survey-381291">Also read |&nbsp;As tensions rise with Japan, China reasserts Diaoyus claim with island survey</a>

"We confirmed that the early establishment of a hotline between Japanese and Chinese defense authorities is important," Kishi said.

"Since there are (unresolved) issues with China, we need to try and keep having candid communication so we can promote exchanges and foster mutual understanding and confidence," Kishi added.

China's increasing pressure on Taiwan is causing jitters in Japan because Beijing's control of the island would bring Chinese forces within around 100 kilometres (62 miles) of its territory and would threaten key maritime trade routes that supply Japan with oil and other goods.

It would also provide China with bases for unfettered access to the western Pacific.

Last month, two&nbsp;Chinese ships&nbsp;had intruded into Japanese coastal waters near the disputed islands as Japan lodged a protest with China over the issue.

(With inputs from agencies)

China and Japan have reached an agreement to establish a hotline for their disputes over Taiwan and the South China Sea. Japan's Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi held a two-hour video conference with his Chinese counterpart Wei Fenghe and expressed his grave concerns over Chinese coast guard ships activities in waters surrounding the Japanese administered Senkaku Islands.

China and Japan have reached an agreement to establish a hotline for their disputes over Taiwan and the South China Sea. Japan's Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi held a two-hour video conference with his Chinese counterpart Wei Fenghe and expressed his grave concerns over Chinese coast guard ships activities in waters surrounding the Japanese administered Senkaku Islands. The Diaoyu islands, also known as Senkaku islands have long been an object of a territorial dispute between Beijing and Tokyo. Also read | Analysis: With an eye on China, Japan's ruling party makes unprecedented defence spending pledge Japan's Defence Ministry released after the ministers' meeting stating "Minister Kishi delivered that Japan opposes attempts of unilateral change to the status quo by coercion and that Japan possesses grave concerns against such actions, while pointing out individual events such as activities by People's Liberation Army and China Coast Guard vessels." "China will firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. The two sides should focus on the overall interests of bilateral relations and strive to maintain stability in the East China Sea," said a release from the Defence Ministry. Also read | As tensions rise with Japan, China reasserts Diaoyus claim with island survey "We confirmed that the early establishment of a hotline between Japanese and Chinese defense authorities is important," Kishi said. "Since there are (unresolved) issues with China, we need to try and keep having candid communication so we can promote exchanges and foster mutual understanding and confidence," Kishi added. China's increasing pressure on Taiwan is causing jitters in Japan because Beijing's control of the island would bring Chinese forces within around 100 kilometres (62 miles) of its territory and would threaten key maritime trade routes that supply Japan with oil and other goods. It would also provide China with bases for unfettered access to the western Pacific. Last month, two Chinese ships had intruded into Japanese coastal waters near the disputed islands as Japan lodged a protest with China over the issue. (With inputs from agencies)

China, Japan to establish hotline for disputes over Taiwan and South China Sea

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has said he will consider ''all options'' to counter China.

The country will add $6.75 billion to its already record annual military spending in a rush to bolster air and maritime defences.

"As the security environment around Japan worsens at unprecedented speed, our urgent task is to accelerate the implementation of various projects," the defence ministry said in its spending proposal.

Kishida said that “the reality is severer than ever,” with North Korea continuing to test-fire ballistic missiles while advancing its capability, and China pursuing a military buildup and increasingly assertive activity in the region.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/analysis-with-an-eye-on-china-japans-ruling-party-makes-unprecedented-defence-spending-pledge-420812">Also read |&nbsp;Analysis: With an eye on China, Japan's ruling party makes unprecedented defence spending pledge</a>

As a result, Japan will upgrade surface to air missile launchers on islands at the edge of the East China Sea and Patriot PAC-3 missile batteries elsewhere that are the last line of defence against any incoming North Korean warheads.

“I will consider all options, including possessing so-called enemy base strike capability, to pursue strengthening of defence power that is necessary,” Kishida said in an address to hundreds of Ground Self-Defence Force members in olive-colored helmets and uniforms.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-expresses-concern-about-chinese-attempts-in-east-south-china-sea-365042">Also read |&nbsp;Japan expresses concern about Chinese attempts in East, South China Sea</a>

The possibility of possessing so-called enemy base strike capability has been a divisive issue because opponents say it violates Japan’s war-renouncing Constitution.

China's increasing pressure on Taiwan is causing jitters in Japan because Beijing's control of the island would bring Chinese forces within around 100 kilometres (62 miles) of its territory and would threaten key maritime trade routes that supply Japan with oil and other goods.

It would also provide China with bases for unfettered access to the western Pacific.

Kishida has shifted his dovish stance to a more hawkish one, apparently to please influential leaders within his governing party, including former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and to strengthen his grip on power.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has said he will consider ''all options'' to counter China. The country will add $6.75 billion to its already record annual military spending in a rush to bolster air and maritime defences.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has said he will consider ''all options'' to counter China. The country will add $6.75 billion to its already record annual military spending in a rush to bolster air and maritime defences. "As the security environment around Japan worsens at unprecedented speed, our urgent task is to accelerate the implementation of various projects," the defence ministry said in its spending proposal. Kishida said that “the reality is severer than ever,” with North Korea continuing to test-fire ballistic missiles while advancing its capability, and China pursuing a military buildup and increasingly assertive activity in the region. Also read | Analysis: With an eye on China, Japan's ruling party makes unprecedented defence spending pledge As a result, Japan will upgrade surface to air missile launchers on islands at the edge of the East China Sea and Patriot PAC-3 missile batteries elsewhere that are the last line of defence against any incoming North Korean warheads. “I will consider all options, including possessing so-called enemy base strike capability, to pursue strengthening of defence power that is necessary,” Kishida said in an address to hundreds of Ground Self-Defence Force members in olive-colored helmets and uniforms. Also read | Japan expresses concern about Chinese attempts in East, South China Sea The possibility of possessing so-called enemy base strike capability has been a divisive issue because opponents say it violates Japan’s war-renouncing Constitution. China's increasing pressure on Taiwan is causing jitters in Japan because Beijing's control of the island would bring Chinese forces within around 100 kilometres (62 miles) of its territory and would threaten key maritime trade routes that supply Japan with oil and other goods. It would also provide China with bases for unfettered access to the western Pacific. Kishida has shifted his dovish stance to a more hawkish one, apparently to please influential leaders within his governing party, including former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and to strengthen his grip on power. (With inputs from agencies)

Japanese PM Fumio Kishida vows to consider 'all options' to counter China

China's foreign ministry on Tuesday hit back at Japan's deputy prime minister Taro Aso statement after he reportedly said the country needs to defend Taiwan along with the US if it is attacked.

China said Aso's remarks "harmed the political foundation of China-Japan relations".

Kyodo news agency quoted Japan's deputy prime minister saying: "If a major problem took place in Taiwan, it would not be too much to say that it could relate to a survival-threatening situation, we need to think hard that Okinawa could be the next."

Watch:

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Aso said the country was closely monitoring the Taiwan situation as China's foreign ministry in a strongly worded reply said:&nbsp;"No one should underestimate the Chinese people's staunch resolve".

It is not the first time a Japanese leader has referred to Taiwan. Last month Japan's deputy defence minister Yasuhide Nakayama had said that Taiwan should be protected as a "democratic country", as China once again slammed Nakayama's remarks.

The Japanese minister had said there was a growing threat over Chinese and Russian collaboration while adding that China had "aggressive, aggressive, thought and will".

Nakayama had said he wanted a "stronger" United States while citing military exercises between China and Russia asserting that&nbsp;Japan needed to spend more on its defence.

China considers Japan as a breakaway province which it intends to unite by force if necessary. In the recently concluded centenary celebration of the Chinese Communist Party on July 1, President Xi Jinping called for "complete reunification of the motherland".

President Xi said: "All sons and daughters of China, including compatriots on both sides of the strait, must work together and move forward in solidarity, and resolutely crush any 'Taiwan independence' plots."

(With inputs from Agencies)

China's foreign ministry on Tuesday hit back at Japan's deputy prime minister Taro Aso statement after he reportedly said the country needs to defend Taiwan along with the US if it is attacked.

China's foreign ministry on Tuesday hit back at Japan's deputy prime minister Taro Aso statement after he reportedly said the country needs to defend Taiwan along with the US if it is attacked. China said Aso's remarks "harmed the political foundation of China-Japan relations". Kyodo news agency quoted Japan's deputy prime minister saying: "If a major problem took place in Taiwan, it would not be too much to say that it could relate to a survival-threatening situation, we need to think hard that Okinawa could be the next." Watch: Aso said the country was closely monitoring the Taiwan situation as China's foreign ministry in a strongly worded reply said: "No one should underestimate the Chinese people's staunch resolve". It is not the first time a Japanese leader has referred to Taiwan. Last month Japan's deputy defence minister Yasuhide Nakayama had said that Taiwan should be protected as a "democratic country", as China once again slammed Nakayama's remarks. The Japanese minister had said there was a growing threat over Chinese and Russian collaboration while adding that China had "aggressive, aggressive, thought and will". Nakayama had said he wanted a "stronger" United States while citing military exercises between China and Russia asserting that Japan needed to spend more on its defence. China considers Japan as a breakaway province which it intends to unite by force if necessary. In the recently concluded centenary celebration of the Chinese Communist Party on July 1, President Xi Jinping called for "complete reunification of the motherland". President Xi said: "All sons and daughters of China, including compatriots on both sides of the strait, must work together and move forward in solidarity, and resolutely crush any 'Taiwan independence' plots." (With inputs from Agencies)

China slams Japan on 'survival threatening' remark over Taiwan

China has released a landscape survey of a group of islands administered by Japan to reinforce its territorial claims in the East China Sea region amid tensions with Tokyo.

The survey of the Diaoyu Islands,&nbsp;known as the Senkakus in Japan,&nbsp;was released on Monday by China's Ministry of Natural Resources and covers the main island and two smaller nearby islets, South China Morning Post reported.

Japan controls the Senkaku Islands. The Japanese government maintains the islands are an inherent part of Japan's territory. China and Taiwan claim them.

"The report ... supplements and improves the basic geographic data of the Diaoyu Islands and its affiliated islands, and provides important support for the management of the Diaoyu Islands' resources and environmental protection," the ministry said.

The report includes high-definition topographic maps of the land features as well as their surrounding seabed up to 30m (98 feet) below the surface.

The ministry said the maps were based on historical survey data, as well as high-resolution satellite remote sensing surveys.

The report also included some photos of the island and islets taken from survey vessels sailing close to the site.

Recently, tensions between China and Japan have escalated amid increased activity by Beijing in the disputed East China Sea.

Last month, Japan said China's coastguard had expanded its presence in the contested waters by entering twice a month and as frequently as twice a week near the Japanese-controlled Senkaku Islands.

Early this month, Japan Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi urged China to halt its illegal intrusions into its territorial waters around the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea.

Meanwhile, China's defence ministry has urged Japan to stop making provocative moves and refrain from attacking China over the disputed islands after the defence ministries of both countries held a virtual meeting.

China has released a landscape survey of a group of islands administered by Japan to reinforce its territorial claims in the East China Sea region amid tensions with Tokyo.

China has released a landscape survey of a group of islands administered by Japan to reinforce its territorial claims in the East China Sea region amid tensions with Tokyo. The survey of the Diaoyu Islands, known as the Senkakus in Japan, was released on Monday by China's Ministry of Natural Resources and covers the main island and two smaller nearby islets, South China Morning Post reported. Japan controls the Senkaku Islands. The Japanese government maintains the islands are an inherent part of Japan's territory. China and Taiwan claim them. "The report ... supplements and improves the basic geographic data of the Diaoyu Islands and its affiliated islands, and provides important support for the management of the Diaoyu Islands' resources and environmental protection," the ministry said. The report includes high-definition topographic maps of the land features as well as their surrounding seabed up to 30m (98 feet) below the surface. The ministry said the maps were based on historical survey data, as well as high-resolution satellite remote sensing surveys. The report also included some photos of the island and islets taken from survey vessels sailing close to the site. Recently, tensions between China and Japan have escalated amid increased activity by Beijing in the disputed East China Sea. Last month, Japan said China's coastguard had expanded its presence in the contested waters by entering twice a month and as frequently as twice a week near the Japanese-controlled Senkaku Islands. Early this month, Japan Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi urged China to halt its illegal intrusions into its territorial waters around the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. Meanwhile, China's defence ministry has urged Japan to stop making provocative moves and refrain from attacking China over the disputed islands after the defence ministries of both countries held a virtual meeting.

As tensions rise with Japan, China reasserts Diaoyus claim with island survey

Japan is considering sending troops amid reports of surge in Chinese activity near the Tokyo-controlled Diaoyu islands, reports say.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-japan-india-australia-to-hold-quad-meets-368167/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to reports, the Chinese coastguard has increased its presence in the contested waters near the islands. The increased activity comes after China implemented a new law that allows its military force to use weapons against foreign ships that Beijing views as illegally entering its waters.

According to the Japanese coast guard, China's activity in its waters rose from twice a month last year to twice a week in February. According to a Japanese official, Tokyo is alarmed by the recent activity and is considering a response.&nbsp;

The official said that self-defence forces can use weapons as law enforcement against unlawful activities. The official added that Japan does not intend to escalate tensions with China, but will try to increase pressure on the diplomatic front.

The United States had earlier warned China against the use of force in disputed waters. The US has reaffirmed that the Senkaku islands in the East China Sea also claimed by Beijing, which it calls Diaoyu.

US President Biden had told Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga earlier that his administration is committed to defending Japan including the Senkaku Island.

The Diaoyu islands, also known as Senkaku islands have long been an object of territorial dispute between Beijing and Tokyo.&nbsp;

Last month, two Chinese ships had intruded into Japanese coastal waters near the disputed islands as Japan lodged a protest with China over the issue.

Japan is considering sending troops amid reports of surge in Chinese activity near the Tokyo-controlled Diaoyu islands, reports say. Watch: According to reports, the Chinese coastguard has increased its presence in the contested waters near the islands.

Japan is considering sending troops amid reports of surge in Chinese activity near the Tokyo-controlled Diaoyu islands, reports say. Watch: According to reports, the Chinese coastguard has increased its presence in the contested waters near the islands. The increased activity comes after China implemented a new law that allows its military force to use weapons against foreign ships that Beijing views as illegally entering its waters. According to the Japanese coast guard, China's activity in its waters rose from twice a month last year to twice a week in February. According to a Japanese official, Tokyo is alarmed by the recent activity and is considering a response. The official said that self-defence forces can use weapons as law enforcement against unlawful activities. The official added that Japan does not intend to escalate tensions with China, but will try to increase pressure on the diplomatic front. The United States had earlier warned China against the use of force in disputed waters. The US has reaffirmed that the Senkaku islands in the East China Sea also claimed by Beijing, which it calls Diaoyu. US President Biden had told Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga earlier that his administration is committed to defending Japan including the Senkaku Island. The Diaoyu islands, also known as Senkaku islands have long been an object of territorial dispute between Beijing and Tokyo. Last month, two Chinese ships had intruded into Japanese coastal waters near the disputed islands as Japan lodged a protest with China over the issue.

Japan may send troops to Diaoyu islands over increased Chinese activity: Report

After two Chinese coast guard ships entered waters off the Senkaku islands over the weekend, Japan protested against China's intrusion in the uninhabited islets in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tokyo-strongly-opposes-chinese-ships-entering-japanese-waters-off-disputed-east-china-sea-islands-334970">East China Sea</a>.

Tensions have escalated between the two countries after Beijing enacted a legislation allowing its coast guard to use weapons against foreign ships that it views illegally entered its waters.

Japan and China are locked in a dispute over the islands in the East China Sea which Tokyo calls the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-academic-claims-abe-government-snubbed-president-xis-east-china-sea-peace-offer-331215">Senkakus </a>and Beijing the Diaoyu. The islets are administered by Japan, however, Beijing claims the islands as its own.

"We made a strong protest through diplomatic routes both in Tokyo and Beijing, strongly demanding that they immediately stop their moves to try to approach Japanese fishing vessels and that they swiftly leave the territorial waters," Japanese government spokesman Katsubonu Kato said, while adding that the country has "repeatedly demanded they leave, while ensuring safety of fishing vessels".&nbsp;

"Japan can never tolerate such moves, " the Japanese government spokesman said. The United States defense secretary Lloyd Austin had earlier said the country "remains opposed to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East China Sea" amid tensions with China.

The current Biden administration has continued the same line as the previous Trump's government which had said that Beijing's maritime claims in the South China Sea was "completely unlawful."

After two Chinese coast guard ships entered waters off the Senkaku islands over the weekend, Japan protested against China's intrusion in the uninhabited islets in the East China Sea.

After two Chinese coast guard ships entered waters off the Senkaku islands over the weekend, Japan protested against China's intrusion in the uninhabited islets in the East China Sea. Tensions have escalated between the two countries after Beijing enacted a legislation allowing its coast guard to use weapons against foreign ships that it views illegally entered its waters. Japan and China are locked in a dispute over the islands in the East China Sea which Tokyo calls the Senkakus and Beijing the Diaoyu. The islets are administered by Japan, however, Beijing claims the islands as its own. "We made a strong protest through diplomatic routes both in Tokyo and Beijing, strongly demanding that they immediately stop their moves to try to approach Japanese fishing vessels and that they swiftly leave the territorial waters," Japanese government spokesman Katsubonu Kato said, while adding that the country has "repeatedly demanded they leave, while ensuring safety of fishing vessels". "Japan can never tolerate such moves, " the Japanese government spokesman said. The United States defense secretary Lloyd Austin had earlier said the country "remains opposed to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East China Sea" amid tensions with China. The current Biden administration has continued the same line as the previous Trump's government which had said that Beijing's maritime claims in the South China Sea was "completely unlawful."

Japan protests after two Chinese coast guard ships enter islands in East China Sea