ZCZC
BFF-02
US-JAPAN-CHINA-DIPLOMACY
US backs Japan concerns on China ships
WASHINGTON, Feb 11, 2021 (BSS/AFP) – US Secretary of State Antony Blinken
voiced concern Wednesday over China’s incursions into Japanese territorial
waters, recommitting to the ally’s defense.
In a telephone call, Blinken and Japanese foreign minister Toshimitsu
Motegi “expressed concern over increased Chinese assertiveness around the
Senkaku Islands following China’s enactment of a new coast guard law,” State
Department spokesman Ned Price said.
“Secretary Blinken reaffirmed that the Senkakus fall within the scope of
Article V of the US-Japan Security Treaty,” he said, referring to the section
that commits the two nations to defend each other if either is attacked.
Tokyo has voiced alarm over increased Chinese incursions after Beijing
enacted legislation allowing its coast guard to use weapons against foreign
ships seen as illegally entering its waters.
Japan administers the rocky islets in the East China Sea that are also
claimed by Beijing, which calls them the Diaoyu, as well as Taiwan.
Blinken’s call comes as President Joe Biden promises to keep his
predecessor Donald Trump’s tough line on a rising China while also paying
closer attention to allies.
Former secretary of state Hillary Clinton first said the Senkakus fell
under Article V, although Trump went a step further by warning against
attempts to contest Japan’s control over the islands.
The State Department said Blinken and Motegi also discussed last week’s
military coup in Myanmar, also known as Burma, where Biden is rolling out
punishment for the generals if they do not return power to elected leaders.
BSS/AFP/FI/ 0755 hrs