Japan's Defense Minister Gen Nakatani
(image source: wikipedia.org.)
According to Kyodo News of Japan, country's Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said on Feb. 3 that Tokyo plans for a possible involvement in the disputed West Philippine Sea.
Japan's plan for the involvement is supported by US 7th Fleet commander Vice Admiral Robert Thomas when he expressed its support to Japan on Jan. 29. Following the support of the commander, Tokyo aims more for patrol missions in West Philippine Sea where China has territorial disputes with the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. Nakatani added that Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force will be deployed for patrol missions in the region if needed.
Japan looks at the possibility of deploying its P-3C patrol planes in the region although it has no territorial claims in West Philippine Sea. Nakatani added that Japan's air and naval assets should not be available only for East China Sea patrols where the country has territorial disputes over the Senkaku islands.
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's Fifth Air Squadron has 10 wing stations and 20 P-3C patrol aircrafts. The aircarft which has capabilities of carrying torpedoes and anti-submarine depth charges is likely to be the selected asset for Japan's West Philippine Sea patrols.
Japan's plan for the involvement is supported by US 7th Fleet commander Vice Admiral Robert Thomas when he expressed its support to Japan on Jan. 29. Following the support of the commander, Tokyo aims more for patrol missions in West Philippine Sea where China has territorial disputes with the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. Nakatani added that Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force will be deployed for patrol missions in the region if needed.
Japan looks at the possibility of deploying its P-3C patrol planes in the region although it has no territorial claims in West Philippine Sea. Nakatani added that Japan's air and naval assets should not be available only for East China Sea patrols where the country has territorial disputes over the Senkaku islands.
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's Fifth Air Squadron has 10 wing stations and 20 P-3C patrol aircrafts. The aircarft which has capabilities of carrying torpedoes and anti-submarine depth charges is likely to be the selected asset for Japan's West Philippine Sea patrols.
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