Japan to build island military posts (Tokyo-based newspaper)

Japan is to establish new military outposts on remote islands, a report said Monday, as Tokyo looks to bolster its defense amid a territorial dispute with China.

Up to 350 troops each could be stationed on three islands in the far southwest, close to the Diaoyu Islands, the Yomiuri Shimbun reported.

With the exception of the main Okinawa island, Japan's Ground Self-Defense Forces - its army - have no bases on the chain of islands that runs from the bottom of Kyushu to Taiwan. There are limited air force facilities in the area.

Tokyo is now planning to set up new outposts on three islands, including Amamioshima, some 150 kilometers south of the Diaoyu Islands, the Tokyo-based newspaper said.

Two other candidate sites for the new posts include Miyako island and Ishigaki island, some 210 kilometers southwest and 170 kilometers south, respectively, of the disputed islets. 
AFP 
[globaltimes.cn]
20/5/14
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Related:

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• USA claims that China preparing for war with Japan

• China says U.S. "irresponsible" over South China Sea ADIZ