“China’s Naval Fleet Sails Around Japan Amidst Rising Tensions: CNN Indonesia Report”

CNN Indonesia

Friday, 12 May 2023 21:35 WIB

Jakarta, CNNIndonesia —

Naval fleet China is reported to have sailed for 12 days around the main islands of Japan.

The move is to show military might at a time of simmering tensions in Taiwan and as Japan prepares to host the G7 leaders next week.

Japan’s Defense Ministry on Thursday (11/5) released a map showing the voyage of the Type 055 Lhasa guided missile destroyer, one of the Chinese Navy’s most powerful warships.

The Type 055 Lhasa destroyer led a fleet of four other ships which also included smaller destroyers, frigates and a supply ship in a clockwise circle.

The Japanese map shows the voyage starting April 30 in the Tsushima Strait between South Korea and Japan, continuing through the Tsugaru Strait off the northern tip of Hokkaido on May 5 and 6 and then on the Izu island chain south of Tokyo on Thursday.

In a story published after Japan’s Defense Ministry release Thursday, China’s state-run Global Times linked the flotilla’s trip to Japan’s “recent provocative statements” about Taiwan, a democratically-ruled island over which the Chinese Communist Party claims sovereignty, although it does not. ever ruled it.

“Although the voyage is likely to be a routine exercise in distant waters, the Chinese Navy is not violating international law or targeting any third party. But it can be seen as a strong message to Japan,” the Chinese experts said in a Global Times report, as reported by CNN. .

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said in an interview with Nikkei Asia on Wednesday (105) that “the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait is very important not only for our country, but also for the entire international community.”

Tensions between China and Japan have increased ahead of the G7 summit. The tour of the Chinese warships is also being carried out as G7 leaders prepare to meet in Japan for the Summit from May 19, 2023.

China’s naval fleet has made circumnavigations of Japan in the past, most notably when a Sino-Russian fleet of 10 vessels did so in October 2021.

The Chinese navy is said to often keep a low profile display of strength outside China’s nearby waters, but the timing and route of the drills is cause for concern.

(wow)