China Issues Warning to US and Japan: "War Could Break Out at Diaoyudao"

Expressing Displeasure at US-Japan Joint Statement
Warning of Possible Use of Force by Coast Guard

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] Chinese media have warned that a military clash, or even war, could break out among China, the U.S., and Japan over the Senkaku Islands (Chinese name Diaoyudao).

According to state-run Xinhua News Agency and Global Times on the 26th, the Chinese Coast Guard fleet 2301 conducted patrol duties at Diaoyudao the previous day.

Chinese media explained that although the Coast Guard has been conducting routine patrols at Diaoyudao, they had not specifically mentioned the patrols in the context of China-Japan relations until now. They reported that Japan’s decision to cooperate with the U.S. to contain China has disrupted China’s existing stance on Diaoyudao.

The “disruption” mentioned by Chinese media refers to the joint statement showcasing the U.S.-Japan united front against China. Global Times expressed concern that the U.S.-Japan joint statement released on the 16th reaffirmed Japan’s administrative rights over Diaoyudao and confirmed that it falls under the jurisdiction of Article 5 of the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty.

Global Times also defined the upcoming trilateral naval exercises between the U.S., Japan, and France scheduled for next month as a serious challenge to China’s territorial sovereignty.

The media cited experts warning that if the U.S. and Japan continue to escalate the Diaoyudao issue, military clashes or even war could occur at Diaoyudao.

Chinese military expert Wei Dongxu stated, “Until 5 to 10 years ago, Japan interfered with the normal fishing activities of Chinese fishermen in this area and even used weapons against unarmed Chinese fishermen,” referring to the recently revised Chinese Coast Guard Law. China has been enforcing the Coast Guard Law since February, which allows the Coast Guard to use force against foreign vessels in its jurisdictional waters.

Another military expert, Song Zhongping, said, “This patrol was an action to demonstrate China’s sovereignty over Diaoyudao despite the U.S.-Japan joint statement,” adding, “Regardless of any stance the U.S. and Japan take on the Diaoyudao or Taiwan issues, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army will firmly defend China’s sovereignty and territory.”