Gen Nakatani said "If we leave any unlawful situation unattended, order will soon turn to disorder, and peace and stability will collapse,"
"I hope and expect all the countries, including China, to behave as a responsible power," he said.
Tensions have risen in the South China Sea in recent months over China's construction of artificial islands as it tries to assert its claim to the potentially energy-rich waters around the Spratly archipelego.
The Spratlys are claimed by half a dozen countries including the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam and China.
Mr Nakatani proposed what he dubbed the "Shangri-La Dialogue Initiative," - three measures to bolster maritime and air safety in the region, including round-the-clock monitoring of airspace by members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Establishing any system of round-the-clock safety patrols by 10-member ASEAN would require a level of integration not yet managed by the regional association.
Countries such as the Philippines would also need aircraft, boats and other equipment to join any patrols.
Japan, which lifted a ban on military exports a year ago, could potentially supply such gear.
As it weakens the constitutional restraints on its military, Japan is looking at taking on a stronger security role in the South China Sea by extending maritime air patrols.
US military commanders have said they would welcome such patrols as it would help counter balance China's overwhelming influence in the region.
Neither Japan or the United States have any territorial claims in the South China Sea.
Source: AFP/Reuters
[rte.ie]
30/5/15
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U.S. losing patience on man-made islands in disputed waters...
ReplyDeleteWashington (CNN)CNN's Jim Sciutto recently got exclusive access to a U.S. Navy surveillance plane on a secret mission near China, where they flew over a string of man-made islands. China's Navy issued eight warnings to the plane and told it to leave the area. On Tuesday, Jim answered questions from the Reddit community during an "Ask me anything" session. Below are highlights from the conversation.
1. If your flight was warned eight times, I guess the flight crew didn't take it very seriously then?
The flight crew was prepared -- and read a scripted response saying that the U.S. considers the airspace there international. Frankly, both sides were very professional and calm, although I did hear frustration in the voice of one of the Chinese Navy radio operators when he yelled, "You go now!"
This was not the first U.S. flight over the islands but it is the first one the U.S. advertised broadly by bringing a TV crew on board. That was intentional and, judging by the Chinese government reaction, seems to have accomplished its goal of sending a message.
2. Did the crew show any change in posture/emotion when the warnings were received?
Frankly, it did not. They have flown these flights before and been challenged by the Chinese Navy before. A few months ago, it was a different story when a Chinese fighter did a barrel roll in front of a U.S. surveillance flight much closer to the Chinese coast. The U.S. formally complained to China and -- I'm told -- China promised it wouldn't happen again............CNN
28/5/15